Surgical stapling instrument

ABSTRACT

A surgical stapler can comprise an anvil comprising a staple pocket formed in a tissue contacting surface. The staple pocket can comprise a midline or centerline, a first forming cup, and a second forming cup. The first forming cup can comprise a first interior sidewall comprising a first vertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface. The second forming cup can comprise a second interior sidewall comprising a second vertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface. The first vertical portion and the second vertical portion can extend through the centerline, wherein the first interior sidewall and the second interior sidewall can comprise a trap for deforming a first staple leg of a staple to a first side of the centerline and for deforming a second staple leg of the staple to a second side of the centerline.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application claiming priority under35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/058,802, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Oct. 21, 2013, which issued on Jun.27, 2017 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,867,612, which is a continuation applicationclaiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28,2011, which issued on Oct. 22, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870, which isa continuation-in-part application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/855,351, entitled SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED FIRING TRIGGER ARRANGEMENT, filed onAug. 12, 2010, which issued on Jun. 4, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,453,908,which is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/725,993, entitledSTAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed on Mar. 17, 2010, which issued on Sep. 24, 2013as U.S. Pat. No. 8,540,133, which is a continuation-in-part applicationclaiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/234,149, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH CUTTINGMEMBER ARRANGEMENT, filed on Sep. 19, 2008, which issued on Mar. 15,2011 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,381, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein. U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28,2011, which issued on Oct. 22, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870, is acontinuation-in-part application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/622,099, entitled SURGICALSTAPLER HAVING A CLOSURE MECHANISM, filed on Nov. 19, 2009, which issuedon Jan. 8, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,348,129, which claims the benefitunder 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/250,377, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER, filed on Oct. 9, 2009, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, which issued on Oct. 22, 2013 as U.S.Pat. No. 8,561,870, is a continuation-in-part application claimingpriority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/843,436, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED FIRINGTRIGGER ARRANGEMENT, filed on Jul. 26, 2010, which issued on Sep. 24,2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,540,129, which is a continuation applicationclaiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/030,424, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVEDFIRING TRIGGER ARRANGEMENT, filed on Feb. 13, 2008, which issued on Aug.3, 2010 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,209, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND i. Technical Field

The present invention relates to stapling instruments and, in variousembodiments, to a surgical stapling instrument for producing one or morerows of staples.

ii. Background of the Related Art

In recent years, there has been an increasing tendency for surgeons touse stapling instruments to suture body tissues such as a lung, anesophagus, a stomach, a duodenum and/or other organs in the intestinaltract. The use of an appropriate stapling instrument in many instancesmay perform a better job in less time and simplify previously difficultsurgical procedures such as gastrointestinal anastomoses. Previouslinear two and four row cutting staplers comprised cartridge-lessinstruments into which staples were individually hand-loaded. Otherprevious devices have included a presterilized disposable staple loadingunit and a cutting member which could be utilized for dividing thetissue and forming the rows of staples simultaneously. An example ofsuch a surgical stapler is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,499,591,entitled INSTRUMENT FOR PLACING LATERAL GASTROINTESTINAL ANASTOMOSES,which issued on Mar. 10, 1970, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

A stapling instrument can include a pair of cooperating elongate jawmembers, wherein each jaw member can be adapted to be inserted into aninternal, tubular body organ to be anastomosed. In various embodiments,one of the jaw members can support a staple cartridge with at least twolaterally spaced rows of staples, and the other jaw member can supportan anvil with staple-forming pockets aligned with the rows of staples inthe staple cartridge. Generally, the stapling instrument can furtherinclude a pusher bar and knife blade which are slidable relative to thejaw members to sequentially eject staples from the staple cartridge viacamming surfaces on the pusher bar. In at least one embodiment, thecamming surfaces can be configured to activate a plurality of stapledrivers carried by the cartridge and associated with the individualstaples to push the staples against the anvil and form laterally spacedrows of deformed staples in the tissue gripped between the jaw members.In typical stapling instruments, however, the anvil is unmovablerelative to the staple cartridge once the jaw members have beenassembled together and the formed height of the staples cannot beadjusted. In at least one embodiment, the knife blade can trail thepusher bar and cut the tissue along a line between the staple rows.Examples of such stapling instruments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,429,695, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Feb. 7, 1984,the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

SUMMARY

In at least one form, a surgical stapler can comprise a curved anvilassembly comprising a tissue contacting surface and a plurality ofstaple pockets formed in the tissue contacting surface, wherein thestaple pockets are positioned along a curve. Each staple pocket cancomprise a staple pocket centerline, wherein a staple pocket centerlineof a first staple pocket is neither parallel to nor collinear with astaple pocket centerline of a second staple pocket. Each staple pocketcan further comprise a first forming cup including a first insideportion, a first outside portion, and a first interior sidewallextending between the first outside portion and the first insideportion, wherein the first interior sidewall comprises a first verticalportion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contactingsurface. Each staple pocket can further comprise a second forming cupincluding a second inside portion, a second outside portion, wherein thefirst inside portion is positioned in close relation to the secondinside portion, wherein the first inside portion and the second insideportion are positioned offset with respect to the staple pocketcenterline, wherein the first outside portion and the second outsideportion are positioned on opposite sides of the first inside portion andthe second inside portion, and wherein the first outside portion and thesecond outside portion are oriented in a direction which is transverseto the staple pocket centerline, and a second interior sidewallextending between the second outside portion and the second insideportion, wherein the second interior sidewall comprises a secondvertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissuecontacting surface.

In at least one form, a surgical stapler can comprise a curved anvilassembly comprising a tissue contacting surface and a plurality ofstaple pockets formed in the tissue contacting surface, wherein thestaple pockets are positioned along a curved path, wherein each staplepocket comprises a staple pocket midline, and wherein a staple pocketmidline of a first staple pocket is neither parallel to nor collinearwith a staple pocket midline of a second staple pocket. Each staplepocket can further comprise a first forming cup including a first insideportion, a first outside portion, and a first interior sidewallextending between the first outside portion and the first insideportion, wherein the first interior sidewall comprises a first verticalportion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contactingsurface. Each staple pocket can further comprise a second forming cupincluding a second inside portion, a second outside portion, wherein thefirst inside portion is positioned in close relation to the secondinside portion, wherein the first inside portion and the second insideportion are positioned offset with respect to the staple pocket midline,and wherein the first outside portion and the second outside portion arepositioned on opposite sides of the first inside portion and the secondinside portion, and a second interior sidewall extending between thesecond outside portion and the second inside portion, wherein the secondinterior sidewall comprises a second vertical portion which issubstantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface, whereinthe first vertical portion and the second vertical portion extendthrough the staple pocket midline, and wherein the first interiorsurface and the second interior surface comprise a trap for deforming afirst staple leg of a staple to a first side of the staple pocketmidline and for deforming a second staple leg of the staple to a secondside of the staple pocket midline.

In various embodiments, a surgical stapler comprising an anvil assemblycomprising a tissue contacting surface, a first staple-forming pocketformed in the tissue contacting surface, and a second staple-formingpocket formed in the tissue contacting surface is disclosed. The firststaple-forming pocket and the second staple-forming pocket each comprisea longitudinal axis, a staple pocket centerline, a first forming cup,and a second forming cup. A staple pocket centerline of a first staplepocket is neither parallel to nor collinear with a staple pocketcenterline of the second staple-forming pocket. The first forming cupcomprises a first inside portion, a first outside portion, and a firstinterior sidewall extending between the first outside portion and thefirst inside portion. The second forming cup comprises a second insideportion, a second outside portion, and a second interior sidewallextending between the second outside portion and the second insideportion. The first forming cup and the second forming cup are laterallyoffset from the longitudinal axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention itself will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a linear anastomotic staplinginstrument;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing the anastomotic staplinginstrument of FIG. 1 partially disassembled with its upper anvilcarrying jaw member detached from its lower staple cartridge carryingjaw member;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view showing the anastomotic staplinginstrument of FIG. 1 in its assembled configuration;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the anastomotic stapling instrumentof FIG. 1 showing a cam mechanism for urging the rear portions of theupper and lower jaw members apart;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the anvil carrying jaw member of theanastomotic stapling instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the staple cartridge carrying jaw member of theanastomotic stapling instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the anastomotic stapling instrument of FIG.1;

FIG. 8 is a front end view of the anastomotic stapling instrument ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a rear end view of the anastomotic stapling instrument of FIG.1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pusher bar and knife blade assemblyof the anastomotic stapling instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pusher block and an actuator knobwhich are components of the pusher bar and knife blade assembly of FIG.10;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rear portion of theanastomotic stapling instrument of FIG. 1 illustrating the cam mechanismin its inoperative position;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rear portion of theanastomotic stapling instrument of FIG. 1 illustrating the cam mechanismin its operative position;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the staple cartridge of the anastomoticstapling instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the staple cartridge of the anastomoticstapling instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the staple cartridge of the anastomoticstapling instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil and staplecartridge carrying jaw members of FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrating theoperation of the pusher bar and knife blade assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the anastomotic stapling instrumentof FIG. 1 taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the anastomotic stapling instrumentof FIG. 1 taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 20 is a detail view of a portion of the anvil and staple cartridgeshown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a stapling instrument in accordancewith one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 21illustrating a first actuator knob in an extended position;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 21illustrating the extended actuator knob of FIG. 22 after it has beenadvanced distally;

FIG. 24 is an exploded view of a clutch mechanism for operably engagingone or more actuator knobs with a pusher bar of the stapling instrumentof FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a guide member of the clutch mechanismof FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an actuator knob of the staplinginstrument of FIG. 21;

FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the clutch mechanism of FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 21illustrating the first actuator knob in a retracted position and asecond actuator knob in an extended position;

FIG. 29 is a partial exploded view of a stapling instrument inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a partial perspective view of the stapling instrument of FIG.29 illustrating an actuator knob after it has been advanced distallyalong a first side of the stapling instrument;

FIG. 31 is a partial perspective view of the stapling instrument of FIG.29 illustrating the actuator knob of FIG. 30 being rotated between afirst position and a second position;

FIG. 32 is a partial perspective view of the stapling instrument of FIG.29 illustrating the actuator knob of FIG. 30 after it has been advanceddistally along a second side of the stapling instrument;

FIG. 33 is an exploded view of a pusher bar assembly of the staplinginstrument of FIG. 29 configured to allow the actuator knob of FIG. 30to be rotated between its first and second positions;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is an exploded elevational view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 34 illustrating first and second portions beingassembled together;

FIG. 38 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 34 illustrating the proximal end of the first portionof FIG. 37 being locked to the proximal end of the second portion ofFIG. 37 and illustrating the second portion being rotated toward thefirst portion;

FIG. 39 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 34 illustrating a latch rotatably mounted to thefirst portion, wherein the latch is engaged with the second portion andwherein the latch has been rotated into a partially-closed position;

FIG. 40 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 34 illustrating the latch of FIG. 39 in a closedposition;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly of thesurgical stapling instrument of FIG. 34;

FIG. 42 is an exploded view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge assembly ofFIG. 41 taken along line 43-43 in FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is an exploded view of a staple sled and cutting member assemblyof the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 41;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the staple sled and cutting memberassembly of FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the surgical stapling instrument ofFIG. 34 illustrating a firing actuator moved distally along a first sideof the surgical stapling instrument;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the surgical stapling instrument ofFIG. 34 illustrating the firing actuator of FIG. 46 moved distally alonga second side of the surgical stapling instrument;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling instrument inaccordance with at least one alternative embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating a latch in a partially-closed position and alocking mechanism engaged with a firing actuator;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument ofFIG. 48 wherein the latch has been moved into a closed position and hasdisengaged the locking mechanism from the firing actuator;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an anvil assembly of the surgicalstapling instrument of FIG. 34;

FIG. 51 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil assembly of FIG.50;

FIG. 52 is another exploded perspective view of the anvil assembly ofFIG. 50;

FIG. 53 is an exploded cross-sectional elevational view of the anvilassembly of FIG. 50;

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional assembly view of the anvil assembly of FIG.50 illustrating an anvil adjustment member in a first position;

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional assembly view of the anvil assembly of FIG.50 illustrating the anvil adjustment member of FIG. 54 in a secondposition;

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional assembly view of the anvil assembly of FIG.50 illustrating the anvil adjustment member of FIG. 54 in a thirdposition;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument inaccordance with at least one alternative embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument ofFIG. 57 taken along line 58-58 in FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is a partial exploded view of the proximal end of the surgicalstapling instrument of FIG. 57 including a detent mechanism forreleasably holding a rotatable anvil adjustment member in position;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the surgical stapling instrument ofFIG. 57 with some components removed and others shown in cross-section;

FIG. 61 is an exploded view of portions of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 57 illustrating a rotatable anvil adjustment memberin a first orientation;

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the rotatable anvil adjustment memberof FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is an end view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 57with some components removed and others shown in dashed linesillustrating the rotatable anvil adjustment member in the firstorientation of FIG. 61;

FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional end view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 57 taken along line 64-64 in FIG. 57;

FIG. 65 is an end view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 57illustrating the rotatable anvil adjustment member of FIG. 61 rotated ina first direction into a second orientation;

FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional end view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 57 illustrating the anvil adjustment member in thesecond orientation of FIG. 65;

FIG. 67 is an end view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 57illustrating the rotatable anvil adjustment member of FIG. 61 rotated ina second direction into a third orientation;

FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional end view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 57 illustrating the anvil adjustment member in thethird orientation of FIG. 67;

FIG. 69 is a perspective view of an actuator for rotating the anviladjustment member of FIG. 61;

FIG. 70 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical staplinginstrument including a spring configured to bias the distal end of afirst handle portion away from the distal end of a second handle portionwhen the stapling instrument is in a partially-closed configuration;

FIG. 71 is a similar perspective view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 34 to that of FIG. 50;

FIG. 72 is a detail view of a latch projection extending from an anvilof a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least onealternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 73 is a diagram illustrating the latch projection of FIG. 72 and alatch configured to engage the latch projection and move the latchprojection into a latch recess;

FIG. 74 is an elevational view of the latch projection of FIG. 72;

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a staple pocket in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 76 is a top view of the staple pocket of FIG. 75;

FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view of the staple pocket of FIG. 75 takenalong line 77-77 in FIG. 76;

FIG. 78 is a cross-sectional view of the staple pocket of FIG. 75 takenalong line 78-78 in FIG. 76;

FIG. 79 is another top view of the staple pocket of FIG. 75;

FIG. 80 is a cross-sectional view of the staple pocket of FIG. 75 takenalong line 80-80 in FIG. 79;

FIG. 81 is a cross-sectional view of the staple pocket of FIG. 75 takenalong line 81-81 in FIG. 79;

FIG. 82 is an elevational view of a surgical staple in an undeformedshape;

FIG. 83 is an elevational view of the surgical staple of FIG. 82 in adeformed shape in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 84 is a side view of the surgical staple of FIG. 82 in the deformedshape of FIG. 83;

FIG. 85 is a plan view of the surgical staple of FIG. 82 in the deformedshape of FIG. 83;

FIG. 85A is another plan view of the surgical staple of FIG. 82 in thedeformed shape of FIG. 83;

FIG. 86 is an elevational view of a surgical staple in an undeformedshape;

FIG. 87 is a bottom view of the surgical staple of FIG. 86 in anundeformed shape;

FIG. 88 is a bottom view of the surgical staple of FIG. 86 in a deformedshape in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 89 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical staple of FIG.86;

FIG. 90 is an elevational view of a surgical staple in a deformed shapein accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 91 is an elevational view of a surgical staple in a deformed shape;

FIG. 92 is an exploded perspective view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 34;

FIG. 93 is an exploded elevational view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 34;

FIG. 94 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 34 illustrating a latch rotatably mounted to thefirst portion, wherein the latch is engaged with the second portion andwherein the latch has been rotated into a partially-closed position;

FIG. 95 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly of thesurgical stapling instrument of FIG. 34;

FIG. 96 is an exploded view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 95;

FIG. 97 is a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge assembly ofFIG. 95;

FIG. 98 is an exploded view of a staple sled and cutting member assemblyof the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 95;

FIG. 99 is a perspective view of the staple sled and cutting memberassembly of FIG. 98;

FIG. 100 is a detail view of a distal end of a drive bar configured tobe operably connected to the staple sled and cutting assembly of FIG.98, wherein the drive bar distal end is illustrated in a proximalposition in solid lines a second, or distal, position in phantom lines;

FIG. 101 is a partial bottom view of the staple cartridge assembly ofFIG. 95;

FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge assembly inaccordance with an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 103 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrumentcomprising a firing actuator in a partially-advanced position;

FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrumentof FIG. 103 illustrating the firing actuator in the partially-advancedposition;

FIG. 105 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrumentof FIG. 103 illustrating the firing actuator being returned toward anunfired position;

FIG. 106 is a top view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 103illustrating the firing actuator being moved distally;

FIG. 107 is a top view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 107illustrating the firing actuator being moved proximally;

FIG. 108 is another perspective view of the surgical stapling instrumentof FIG. 103;

FIG. 109 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the surgicalstapling instrument of FIG. 103 illustrating the firing actuator in anunfired position;

FIG. 110 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the surgicalstapling instrument of FIG. 103 illustrating the firing actuator rotatedto a first side of the surgical stapling instrument housing;

FIG. 111 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the surgicalstapling instrument of FIG. 103 illustrating the firing actuator in apartially-fired position;

FIG. 112 is a partial perspective view of a surgical stapling instrumentcomprising a circular anvil and a circular staple cartridge inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 113 is a perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 112;

FIG. 114 is a partial perspective view of a surgical stapling instrumentcomprising a curved anvil and a curved staple cartridge in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 115 is a detail view of the curved anvil and the curved staplecartridge of FIG. 114;

FIG. 116 is a detail view of a curved anvil plate of the curved anvil ofFIG. 114;

FIG. 117 is an elevational view of a deformed staple in accordance withat least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 118 is an elevational view of another deformed staple in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 119 is a partial face view of an anvil in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 120 is a partial perspective view of a surgical stapling instrumentcomprising a curved anvil and a curve piece of compressible materialpositioned thereon.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, in one form, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide anoverall understanding of the principles of the structure, function,manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One ormore examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thedevices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and thatthe scope of the various embodiments of the present invention is definedsolely by the claims. The features illustrated or described inconnection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with thefeatures of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations areintended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

The entire disclosures of the following United States PatentApplications are hereby incorporated by reference herein:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/725,993, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE,filed on Mar. 17, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,540,133;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,149, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT WITH CUTTING MEMBER ARRANGEMENT, filed on Sep. 19, 2008, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,905,381;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,143, entitled SURGICAL STAPLERHAVING AN INTERMEDIATE CLOSING POSITION, filed on Sep. 19, 2008, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,857,186;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,133, entitled SURGICAL STAPLERWITH APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING STAPLE HEIGHT, filed on Sep. 19, 2008, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,954,686;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,113, entitled LOCKOUTARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL STAPLER, filed on Sep. 19, 2008, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,832,612;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/622,099, entitled SURGICAL STAPLERHAVING A CLOSURE MECHANISM, filed on Nov. 19, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No.8,348,129;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/622,130, entitled METHOD FOR FORMINGA STAPLE, filed on Nov. 19, 2009, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2011/0087276;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/622,113, entitled SURGICAL STAPLERCOMPRISING A STAPLE POCKET, filed on Nov. 19, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No.8,141,762;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/843,436, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED FIRING TRIGGER ARRANGEMENT, filed on Jul. 26,2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,540,129;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/030,424, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED FIRING TRIGGER ARRANGEMENT, filed on Feb. 13,2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,209; and

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/250,377, entitledSURGICAL STAPLER, filed on Oct. 9, 2009.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a linear anastomotic stapling instrument,generally 20, can comprise an upper elongated anvil carrying jaw member22 and a lower elongated staple cartridge carrying jaw member 24. Upperanvil carrying jaw member 22 can be supported by a handle 26 with afront portion of the jaw member extending forwardly therefrom. Lowerstaple cartridge carrying jaw member 24 can be supported by a handle 28with a front portion of the jaw member extending forwardly therefrom. Asshown in FIG. 3, upper handle 26 and lower handle 28 can be suitablyshaped to form a hand grip to facilitate the handling and operation ofthe stapling instrument by a surgeon. An enlarged front protrusion 27and a small rear protrusion 29 can be provided on each handle for thispurpose. In various embodiments, handles 26 and 28 can be made ofplastic of other lightweight materials, for example, while jaw members22 and 24 can be made of stainless steel or other similar materials, forexample.

As shown in FIG. 5, upper jaw member 22 can comprise a one-pieceelongated channel-shaped frame including a pair of opposed, elongatedside walls 30 connected by a top wall 31. Upper handle 26 can include apair of depending ears 32 located inside the upper handle adjacent toits front end. Upper jaw member 22 can include a slot 34 (FIG. 4) formedat an intermediate position along its top wall 31 through whichdepending ears 32 can project downwardly. A latch pin 36 can extendthrough circular holes formed in side walls 30 of upper jaw member 22and through circular holes formed in depending ears 32 to pivotallyconnect the upper jaw member to upper handle 26.

Referring to FIG. 5, the front portion of upper jaw member 22 can beprovided with a pair of elongated inwardly extending flanges 38 whichcan define an anvil 40 of the stapling instrument. Flanges 38 can beseparated by a central longitudinal slot 42 which extends along theentire length of anvil 40. At the proximal end of central slot 42, theflanges 38 can be provided with inwardly sloped guide surfaces 41. Eachflange 38 can also provided with two longitudinal rows of uniformlyspaced staple-forming pockets 44. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a taperedanvil tip 46 can be mounted at the front of anvil carrying jaw member 22to facilitate the insertion of the jaw member into hollow, tubular bodyorgans, for example. Anvil tip 46 can include an elongated body 48 (FIG.4) which can be inserted through the longitudinal passageway above anvil40 defined by side walls 30 and flanges 38 of the upper jaw member. Thiselongated body 48 can extend between depending ears 32 above latch pin36 and can include an enlarged rear portion 50 located behind ears 32 tohold anvil tip 46 in place on upper jaw member 22.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, lower cartridge carrying jaw member 24 cancomprise a one-piece elongated channel-shaped frame including a pair ofopposed, elongated side walls 52 connected by a bottom wall 53. Alongthe rearward portion of lower jaw member 24, a pair of spaced, elongatedupstanding side flanges 54 (FIG. 2) can extend upward from its opposedside walls 52. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the width of lower jaw member24 between its side flanges 54 can be greater than the width of upperjaw member 22 between its side walls 30 to permit the rear portion ofthe upper jaw member to be received between side flanges 54 of the lowerjaw member when the stapling instrument is assembled for operation. Asshown in FIG. 2, each side flange 54 of lower jaw member 24 can includea vertical notch 56 located in alignment with latch pin 36 on upper jawmember 22. When upper jaw member 22 and lower jaw member 24 areassembled, the opposite ends of latch pin 36 can be received in notches56.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, lower jaw member 24 can support a staplecartridge 60 which is adapted to receive a plurality of surgical staples61 (FIG. 17) arranged in at least two laterally spaced longitudinalrows. Staple cartridge 60 can be mounted at the front portion of lowerjaw member 24 between its side walls 52. Staple cartridge 60 can bedivided longitudinally by a central, elongated slot 62 (FIG. 6) whichextends from the proximal end of the cartridge toward its distal end. Invarious embodiments, a plurality of staple openings 64 formed in staplecartridge 60 can be arranged in two pairs of laterally spaced rows, witheach pair of rows disposed on opposite sides of central longitudinalslot 62. A plurality of surgical staples 61 (FIG. 17) can be mountedwithin openings 64 of cartridge 60. As shown in FIG. 6, the stapleopenings 64 in adjacent rows can be staggered to provide more effectivestapling of the tissue when the instrument is operated. Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16, staple cartridge 60 can include a pair of longitudinalslots 66 located on opposite sides of elongated central slot 62 anddisposed between the staggered rows of openings 64 on each side of thecentral slot. Each longitudinal slot 66 can extend from the proximal endof cartridge 60 towards its distal end.

As shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of staple drivers 65 can be slidablymounted in staple openings 64 for actuating the staples 61 which areloaded into staple cartridge 60. Referring to FIG. 6, each staple driver65 can be designed to simultaneously actuate two staples 61 located inthe adjacent rows provided in staple cartridge 60. Thus, in variousembodiments, a first set of staple drivers 65 can be provided foractuating the staples 61 in the staggered rows located on one side ofcentral longitudinal slot 62, and a second set of staple drivers 65 canbe provided for actuating the staples 61 in the pair of adjacent rowslocated on the other side of central longitudinal slot 62.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, similar to the above, the front or distal endof staple cartridge 60 can include a tapered tip 68 to facilitate theinsertion of lower jaw member 24 into a hollow, tubular body organ, forexample. Immediately behind its tapered tip 68, staple cartridge 60 canbe provided with a pair of rearwardly extending protrusions 70 (oneshown in FIG. 14) which can be received in corresponding notchesprovided in side walls 52 of lower jaw member 24. At the rear of staplecartridge 60, a pair of depending arms 72 can extend downwardly from thecartridge. Each arm 72 can be notched to provide a side opening 74. Whencartridge 60 is assembled on lower jaw member 24, its protrusions 70 canbe received in corresponding notches provided at the front ends of sidewalls 52 and its depending arms 72 extend downwardly through an opening76 (FIG. 4) formed in bottom wall 53 of jaw member 24. Lower jaw member24 can include a pair of depending ears 78 (FIG. 18) extendingdownwardly from its side walls 52 on opposite sides of opening 76. Apivot pin 80 can extend through holes formed in depending ears 78 oflower jaw member 24 and through side openings 74 of depending arms 72 onstaple cartridge 60 to fasten the staple cartridge to the lower jawmember.

Referring to FIG. 2, the stapling instrument 20 can include a latchingmechanism, generally 90, for latching upper jaw member 22 and lower jawmember 24 together at an intermediate position along the jaw members. Invarious embodiments, jaw members 22 and 24 can be latched together at aposition adjacent to the proximal ends of anvil 40 and staple cartridge60. In at least one embodiment, latching mechanism 90 can comprise alatch arm 92 (FIG. 2) pivotally connected to lower jaw member 24 viapivot pin 80 (FIG. 4). Latch arm 92 can be channel-shaped inconfiguration and can include a pair of opposed, elongated side walls 94(FIG. 6) which are spaced apart by a distance sufficient to span sidewalls 52 of lower jaw member 24. Each side wall 94 of latch arm 92 caninclude an upwardly and forwardly extending hook member 96 provided witha forwardly facing slot 98 for receiving latch pin 36. A shroud 100 canbe mounted on the lower surface of latch arm 92. When latch arm 92 isclosed, as shown in FIG. 3, shroud 100 can be aligned with the bottom oflower handle 28 to facilitate the handling and operation of staplinginstrument 20 by the surgeon. In various embodiments, shroud 100 can bemade of plastic or other lightweight materials, for example, while latcharm 92 can be made of stainless steel, for example. As shown in FIG. 7,shroud 100 can include elongated flanges 102 and 104 extending outwardlyfrom its opposite sides which can serve as fingergrips to enable latcharm 92 to be pivoted downwardly from its latched to its unlatchedposition. When latch arm 92 is moved to its closed or latched position,the surfaces of slots 98 of hook members 96 can cooperate with latch pin36 which can act as an over-center latch to maintain latch arm 92 in itslatched position.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 10, the preferred embodiment of staplinginstrument 20 can include an improved pusher bar and knife bladeassembly, generally 110, which can be slidably mounted for longitudinalmovement relative to upper and lower jaw members 22 and 24,respectively, for driving staples 61 from staple cartridge 60 intotissue gripped between the jaw members, forming staples 61 against anvil40, and cutting the tissue along a line between the rows of staplesformed in the tissue. Pusher bar and knife blade assembly 110 caninclude a pusher block 112 (FIG. 6) which can be slidably receivedwithin the lower channel-shaped jaw member 24 between its upstandingside flanges 54. As shown in FIG. 11, pusher block 112 can be attachedto an actuator knob 114 by a flange 116 which includes a laterallyprojecting finger 118 provided with a longitudinally extending notch 119on its top surface. Finger 118 can be snap-fitted into a lateral slot120 formed in pusher block 112 to locate notch 119 underneath alongitudinal locking bar 121 to secure pusher block 112 and actuatorknob 114 together. Flange 116 of actuator knob 114 can extend throughand rids along an elongated slot 122 (FIG. 2) formed in one side flange54 of lower jaw member 24.

The pusher bar and knife blade assembly 110 can include a pair of staplepusher bars 124 (FIG. 10) projecting forwardly from pusher block 112 andslidably received in elongated slots 66 (FIG. 16) of staple cartridge60. Pusher block 112 can be provided with a pair of vertical slots 126(FIG. 11) in which pusher bars 124 are secured. As shown in FIG. 10, thefront end of each staple pusher bar 124 can be provided with awedge-shaped tip 128 which defines an inclined cam surface 130 forengaging staple drivers 65 as pusher bars 124 are advanced into staplecartridge 60. As shown in FIG. 21, each staple driver 65 can be providedwith a sloped surface 132 oriented at the same angle as cam surface 130of each staple pusher bar 124 to provide a flat, sliding contact betweenthe surfaces.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 10, the pusher bar and knife blade assembly 110can include a knife block 134 which is slidably mounted for longitudinalmovement along lower jaw member 24 between its upstanding side flanges54. Knife block 134 can include a knife support bar 136 which extendsforwardly into central longitudinal slot 62 of staple cartridge 60. Aninclined knife blade 138 provided with a beveled cutting edge 140 can belocated at the front end of knife support bar 136. The beveled cuttingedge of knife blade 138 can be oriented at an angle relative to elongatejaw members 22 and 24 and can be slidably received in centrallongitudinal slot 62 of staple cartridge 60.

In various embodiments, knife block 134 can include a pair oflongitudinal slots 135 (FIG. 19) extending therethrough which slidablyreceive staple pusher bars 124 to permit pusher block 112 to sliderelative to the knife block. Accordingly, when pusher block 112 isadvanced toward staple cartridge 60 by actuator knob 114, staple pusherbars 124 can slide through knife block 134 which remains stationaryuntil the pusher block moves into engagement with the knife block. Afterknife block 134 is engaged by pusher block 112, the knife block andpusher block can advance simultaneously toward staple cartridge 60. Asshown in FIG. 17, knife blade 138 can be advanced through staplecartridge 60 along with staple pusher bars 124, forming staples 61 inthe tissue gripped between the jaw members and cutting the tissuebetween the staple rows. Thereafter, when actuator knob 114 isretracted, pusher block 112 can initially slide staple pusher bars 124backward through knife block 134 which can remain stationary. Eachstaple pusher bar 124 can include an offset portion 142 which can moveinto engagement with knife block 134 after staple pusher bars 124 arewithdrawn by a predetermined distance. With offset portions 142 ofstaple pusher bars 124 engaging knife block 134, pusher block 112 andknife block 134 can be simultaneously retracted by actuator knob 114 toreturn pusher bars 124 and knife blade 138 to the start position.

In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, staplinginstrument 20 can be provided with jaw clamping means for applyingclamping forces to the jaw members to urge staple cartridge 60 and anvil40 together during the formation of staples 61. The jaw clamping meanscan include means for urging the jaw members apart at a position remotefrom the latching mechanism to resist the forces exerted on staplecartridge 60 and anvil 40 when staples 61 are formed. In at least oneembodiment, a cam means can be mounted on one of the jaw members and canbe engageable with the other jaw member for moving said jaw membersapart at the remote position to urge staple cartridge 60 and anvil 40together. In various embodiments, a cam member can be pivotally mountedon one of the jaw members at a position remote from the latchingmechanism. The cam member can be pivotable from a first inoperativeposition to a second operative position to move the remote ends of thejaw members apart. The cam member can be operable by pusher block 112 ofpusher bar and knife blade assembly 110 to move to its operativeposition when the pusher block is advanced and to return to itsinoperative position when the pusher block is retracted.

In various embodiments, a cam mechanism, generally 150, can be locatedadjacent to the rear end of lower jaw member 24, as shown in FIG. 4. Cammechanism 150 can include a cam member 152 pivotally mounted on atransverse pivot pin 154 extending between upstanding side flanges 54 oflower jaw member 24. Cam member 152 can include a first lower camsurface 156 for engaging top wall 31 of upper jaw member 22 with cam 152in its first inoperative position (FIG. 12) and a second higher camsurface 158 for engaging the top wall 31 of upper jaw member 22 with cam152 disposed in its second operative position (FIG. 13). First camsurface 156 can be arranged to maintain upper and lower jaw memberssubstantially parallel with cam 152 in its inoperative position. Secondcam surface 158 can be arranged to raise the rear end of upper jawmember 22 by approximately 0.125 inch (3.2 mm), for example, when cam152 pivots from its inoperative position to its operative position. Inaddition, upper jaw member 22 can be sufficiently flexible to permit therear portion of upper jaw member 22 to bend upward away from lower jawmember 24 when cam member 152 is moved from its inoperative position toits operative position.

As shown in FIG. 4, cam member 152 can include a radially extendingnotch 160 which divides the cam into a large front finger 162 and asmall rear finger 164. Front cam finger 162 can include a flat,rearwardly facing surface 165, and rear cam finger 164 can include asloped, forwardly facing surface 166. With cam 152 in its inoperativeposition, front cam finger 162 and rear cam finger 164 can extenddownwardly through an elongated slot 168 formed in bottom wall 53 oflower jaw member 24.

In various embodiments, cam member 152 can be operable by pusher block112 to move from its inoperative position to its operative position whenthe pusher block is advanced. As shown in FIG. 11, pusher block 112 caninclude a pair of rearwardly extending arms 170 which are spaced apartto define a gap 172 therebetween. The rear ends of arms 170 can beconnected by a cam actuator pin 174 which extends across gap 172.Referring to FIGS. 4 and 11, with cam member 152 disposed in itsinoperative position, front cam finger 162 can extend through gap 172between arms 170 of pusher block 112, while cam actuator pin 174 can bereceived in notch 160 between front finger 162 and rear finger 164 ofthe cam member.

As shown in FIG. 12, with cam member 152 disposed in its firstinoperative position, top wall 31 of upper jaw member 22 can rest onfirst cam surface 156 of the cam member. With cam member 152 in itsinoperative position, top wall 31 of upper jaw member 22 can besubstantially parallel to bottom wall 53 of lower jaw member 24. Inaddition, pusher block 112 can be located in its start position spacedrearwardly from knife block 134. When pusher block 112 is advanced, asindicated by arrow 182 (FIG. 13), cam actuator pin 174 can engage rearsurface 165 of front cam finger 162 to rotate cam member 152 in acounter-clockwise direction, as indicated by arrow 184, to pivot the cammember to its second operative position and move its second cam surface158 into engagement with top wall 31 of upper jaw member 22. With cammember 152 pivoted to its operative position, the top wall 31 of upperjaw member 22 can be bent upwardly, as indicated by arrow 186, away frombottom wall 53 of lower jaw member 24. The cam member can apply forcesto upper jaw member 22 and lower jaw member 24 which bend the rearportions of the jaw members apart. As a result of the bending the rearportions of upper jaw member 22 and lower jaw member 24 apart,additional clamping forces can be applied to the front portions of upperjaw member 22 and lower jaw member 24 to clamp anvil 40 and staplecartridge 60 against the tissue gripped between the jaw members. Thus,anvil 40 and staple cartridge 60 can be urged together to resist theforces exerted on the anvil and staple cartridge when pusher bar andknife blade assembly 110 is advanced to form staples 61 and cut thetissue.

Referring to FIG. 13, when pusher block 112 is retracted after staples61 are formed, cam actuator pin 174 can engage sloped surface 166 ofrear cam finger 164 to pivot cam member 152 in a clockwise direction. Ascam actuator pin 174 moves along sloped surface 166 into notch 160, cammember 152 can pivot in a clockwise direction and return to its firstinoperative position (FIG. 12) with its first cam surface 156 inengagement with top wall 31 of upper jaw member 22. As a result, theforces exerted on the rear portions of upper jaw member 22 and lower jawmember 24 by cam 152 can be released and top wall 31 of upper jaw member22 can return to a substantially parallel relationship with bottom wall53 of lower jaw member 24. Similarly, the clamping forces applied to thefront portions of jaw members 22 and 24 can be released to unclamp anvil40 and staple cartridge 60.

In various embodiments, stapling instrument 20 can include spacer meansmounted on one of the jaw members for maintaining a predetermined gapbetween staple cartridge 60 and anvil 40 of the stapling instrument.Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, this spacer means can be embodied as aspacer pin 190 mounted adjacent to the distal end of staple cartridge60. Spacer pin 190 can extend vertically upward from bottom wall 53 oflower jaw member 24 through staple cartridge 60 and project upwardlyfrom the top of the staple cartridge by a predetermined distance. Asshown in FIG. 5, one flange 38 of anvil 40 can include a flange section192 adjacent to its distal end for engaging spacer pin 190. With thestapling instrument assembled for operation (FIG. 4), spacer pin 190 canengage flange section 192 to maintain a predetermined gap between anvil40 and staple cartridge 60.

In the operation of stapling instrument 20, the tissue to be stapled andcut can be initially placed between jaw members 22 and 24 and clamped bythe jaw members. Thus, handles 26 and 28 can be unlatched by pivotalmovement of latch arm 92 downward to its unlatched position (FIG. 2). Asa result, the opposite ends of latch pin 36 can be disengaged from slots98 formed in hook members 96 of latching arm 92. Thereafter, upper andlower jaw members 22 and 24 can be separated by disengaging latch pin 36from slots 56 formed in side flanges 54 of the lower jaw member.

Next, the tissue to be stapled and cut can be placed on jaw members 22and 24. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a piece of tubular, intestinaltissue may be slipped onto the front portion of each jaw member. Afterthe tissue is placed on the jaw member, stapling instrument 20 can bereassembled. The reassembly can be accomplished by aligning latch pin 36with vertical slots 56 formed in upstanding side flanges 54 of lower jawmember 24. Thereafter, side flanges 54 of lower jaw member 24 can bepositioned inside upper handle 26, spanning side walls 30 of upper jawmember 22, while the opposite ends of latch pin 36 can be inserted intovertical slots 56. Finally, latch arm 92 can be pivoted upward to itslatched position (FIG. 3) with its cover 100 flush with the bottom oflower handle 28. As a result, hook members 92 can be pivoted over latchpin 36 and slots 98 can receive the opposite ends of the latch pin.Thus, upper jaw member 22 and lower jaw member 24 can be latchedtogether at an intermediate position therealong adjacent to anvil 40 andstaple cartridge 60. In addition, spacer pin 190 can engage flangesection 192 of anvil 40 through the body tissue to maintain apredetermined gap between anvil 40 and staple cartridge 60.

After the tissue is clamped between the jaw members, stapling instrument20 can be fired by advancing actuator knob 114 to actuate the pusher barand knife blade assembly 110. Initially, in the actuation of cammechanism 150, pusher block 112 and pusher bars 124 (FIG. 4) can beadvanced, while knife block 134 can remain stationary. Since only pusherblock 112 and its pusher bars 124 are advanced to actuate cam member152, the initial force required to operate stapling instrument 20 can beminimized.

Referring to FIG. 12, during the initial advance of pusher block 112,pusher bars 124 can slide through knife block 134 and the wedge-shapedtips 128 of the pusher bars can begin to advance through slots 66 ofstaple cartridge 60. As pusher block 112 advances toward knife block134, its cam actuator pin 174 can engage rear surface 165 of front camfinger 162 to pivot cam 152 counter-clockwise, as indicated by arrow 184of FIG. 13, to move the second cam surface 158 of the cam member intoengagement with top wall 31 of upper jaw member 22. Cam member 152 canapply forces to upper jaw member 22 and lower jaw member 24 which bendthe rear portions of the jaw members apart. As a result, the rear end oftop wall 31 of upper jaw member 22 can be bent upward by approximately0.125 inch (3.2 mm), for example, relative to the rear end of bottomwall 53 of lower jaw member 24. The bending of the rear ends of jawmembers 22 and 24 apart can result in additional clamping forces on thefront portions of the jaw members to clamp anvil 40 and staple cartridge60 against the tissue gripped between the jaw members. These additionalclamping forces tend to resist the forces exerted on anvil 40 and staplecartridge 60, while the tissue is cut and staples 61 are formed againstanvil 40, to maintain the desired spacing between anvil 40 and staplecartridge 60 to produce formed staples 61 which are substantiallyuniform in height.

Referring to FIG. 13, after cam mechanism 150 is actuated, pusher block112 can subsequently engage knife block 134 to begin the longitudinalmovement of knife block 134 toward staple cartridge 60. In variousembodiments, the initial spacing between pusher block 112 and knifeblock 134 can be arranged such that pusher block 112 engages knife block134 slightly before cam member 152 arrives at its operative position.Alternatively, the initial spacing between pusher block 112 and knifeblock 134 can be arranged such that pusher block 112 initially engagesknife block 134 after the movement of cam member 152 to its operativeposition is completed. When pusher block 112 engages knife block 134,the advance of knife blade 138 along central longitudinal slots 42 and62 of anvil 40 and staple cartridge 60, respectively, can be initiated.Thereafter, staple pusher bars 124 and knife blade 138 can be advancedsimultaneously to staple and cut the tissue gripped between anvil 40 andstaple cartridge 60.

As pusher block 112 is advanced, staple pusher bars 124 can be movedlongitudinally along slots 66 provided in staple cartridge 60. The twowedge-like cam surfaces 130 of staple pusher bars 124 can move throughslots 66 into engagement with the sloped surfaces of staple drivers 65to sequentially drive staples 61 from cartridge 60 and to form staples61 into B-shaped configuration against anvil flanges 38. The camsurfaces 130 can be located at the same distance from pusher block 112to simultaneously actuate staple drivers 65 located on opposite sides ofcentral longitudinal slot 62. At the same time, knife block 134 can beadvanced to move knife blade 138 through central longitudinal slot 42 ofanvil 40 and through central longitudinal slot 62 of staple cartridge 60to cut the tissue gripped between the jaw members. The additionalclamping forces applied to the front portions of upper jaw member 22 andlower jaw member 24 via cam mechanism 150 can tend to resist the forcesexerted on anvil 40 and staple cartridge 60 when staples 61 are formed.

After pusher block 112 is fully advanced to form all of the staples incartridge 60, the pusher block can be retracted toward its startposition by retraction of actuator knob 114. Initially, only pusherblock 112 can move backward from staple cartridge 60 because staplepusher bars 124 slide through knife block 134 which remains stationary.When offset portions 142 of staple pusher bars 124 engage the front ofknife block 134, the knife block can be moved backward from staplecartridge 60 along with pusher block 112. As a result, staple pusherbars 124 and knife blade 138 can be simultaneously retracted from staplecartridge 60 and anvil 40.

As pusher block 112 returns toward its start position, cam actuator pin174 can engage sloped surface 166 of rear cam finger 164 to pivot cammember 152 in a clockwise direction toward its inoperative position. Camactuator pin 174 can move along sloped surface 166 into slot 160 betweencam fingers 162 and 164 to return cam member 152 to its inoperativeposition. As a result, second cam surface 158 of cam member 152 can bedisengaged from the top wall of upper jaw member 22 and rear end of topwall 31 of upper jaw member 22 and move downwardly into engagement withfirst cam surface 156. At the same time, front cam finger 162 can pivotdownwardly into gap 172 between fingers 170 on pusher block 112, andboth cam fingers 162 and 164 can pivot downwardly into slot 168 formedin bottom wall 53 of lower jaw member 24. Thereafter, with cam member152 in its inoperative position, latching arm 92 can be pivoteddownward, as shown in FIG. 2, to permit upper jaw member 22 and lowerjaw member 24 to be disassembled. At this point, the cut and stapledtissue can be removed from the jaw members.

As outlined above, a surgical stapling instrument can include anactuator knob, such as actuator knob 114 (FIG. 1), for example, whichcan be configured to advance a pusher bar assembly, such as pusher barassembly 110 (FIG. 10), within a staple cartridge of the surgicalstapling instrument. In various embodiments, actuator knob 114 can beconfigured to be grasped by a surgeon such that the surgeon can apply aforce thereto. In various circumstances, actuator knob 114 can come intocontact with or abut tissue surrounding the surgical site when it isadvanced distally. In at least one circumstance, as a result, thesurgeon may have to reposition the stapling instrument such thatactuator knob 114 can pass by the tissue. In other circumstances, thesurgeon may have to force actuator knob 114 by the tissue. In eitherevent, such circumstances may be unsuitable and, as a result, thereexists a need for a stapling instrument having an actuator knob whichcan be manipulated to reduce the possibility that the actuator knob mayimpinge on the surrounding tissue.

In various embodiments of the present invention, referring to FIG. 21,stapling instrument 220 can include anvil carrying jaw member 222extending from upper handle 226, staple cartridge carrying jaw member224 extending from lower handle 228, and actuator knobs 214 a and 214 bwhich can be operably engaged with a pusher bar assembly, such as pusherbar assembly 210 as illustrated in FIG. 24, for example. In variousembodiments, a staple cartridge can be removably attached to staplecartridge carrying jaw member 224, for example, such that, after thestaple cartridge has been expended, it can be replaced with anotherstaple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, pusher bar assembly 210can include a staple driver integrally-formed with or operably mountedthereto which can be moved through the staple cartridge as outlinedabove. In at least one other embodiment, the staple cartridge caninclude a staple driver contained therein which can be engaged with andpushed distally by the pusher bar assembly. In any event, first actuatorknob 214 a, for example, can be rotated between a first position (FIG.21) in which it is operably disengaged from pusher bar assembly 210 anda second position (FIG. 22) in which it is operably engaged with pusherbar assembly 210. Similarly, second actuator knob 214 b can beconfigured to be rotated between first and second positions in which itis operably disengaged and engaged, respectively, with pusher barassembly 210.

In various embodiments, as a result of the above, the actuator knobs ofa stapling instrument can be selectively engaged with a pusher barassembly such that, in the event that an actuator knob may come intocontact with or abut tissue surrounding the surgical site when it isadvanced, that actuator knob can remain in its retracted position whileanother actuator knob can be extended to advance the pusher bar assemblydistally. In at least one such embodiment, referring to FIG. 22, firstactuator knob 214 a can be rotated into its second position such that itcan be operably engaged with pusher bar assembly 210 while secondactuator knob 214 b can remain in its retracted position. Thereafter,referring to FIG. 23, first actuator knob 214 a can be advanced distallyrelative to upper handle 226 and lower handle 228 along first side 201of surgical stapler 210 in order to motivate pusher assembly 210. In atleast one embodiment, first actuator knob 214 a can be slid within firstslot 227 defined between, or within, upper handle 226 and lower handle228. In various other circumstances, referring to FIG. 28, firstactuator knob 214 a can remain in its retracted position while secondactuator knob 214 b can be rotated into its extended position. Similarto the above, second actuator knob 214 b can be advanced distally alongsecond side 203 of stapling instrument 210 to advance pusher barassembly 210 within second slot 229, for example. In at least oneembodiment, both actuator knobs 214 can be extended to advance pusherbar assembly 210 distally. In various alternative embodiments, althoughnot illustrated, a stapling instrument can include more than twoactuator knobs which can be selectively utilized to motivate a pusherbar and/or knife blade assembly. In effect, as a result of the above,the actuator knobs of a surgical instrument can be engaged with a pusherbar assembly independently of each other.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the actuator knobs of astapling instrument can be situated in a first position in which theycan be held in position and held out of operative engagement with apusher bar assembly. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIG. 24,stapling instrument 201 can further include guide member 209 which canbe configured to guide actuator knobs 214 as they are rotated betweentheir first and second positions. In various embodiments, referring toFIGS. 24-26, guide member 209 can include guide rails 211 which can beslidably received within grooves 213 of actuator knobs 214 such that,when actuator knobs 214 are rotated, guide member 209 can dictate thepath along which the actuator knobs 214 are moved. Furthermore, guiderails 211 and grooves 213 can comprise interlocking features which cancooperatively prevent actuator knobs 214 from being unintentionallydisplaced proximally and/or distally, for example. In at least one suchembodiment, guide member 209 can prevent one or more of actuator knobs214 from being translated along with pusher bar assembly 210 when pusherbar assembly 210 is advanced distally as described above. In variousembodiments, a slight friction or interference fit can be presentbetween guide rails 211 and grooves 213 such that the possibility thatactuator knobs 214 may be unintentionally rotated into their extendedpositions can be reduced. Although not illustrated, the actuator knobscan include guide rails extending therefrom which can be slidablyreceived in grooves within the guide member, for example. In any event,referring to FIG. 25, guide member 209 can include one or more retentionmembers 215 which can be configured to retain guide member 209 inposition intermediate upper handle 226 and lower handle 228.Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, guide member 209 can includeaperture 217 which can be configured to receive retention pin 219extending therethrough wherein retention pin 219 can be configured to beengaged with upper handle 226 and/or lower handle 228 to retain guidemember 209 in position.

In various embodiments, as actuator knobs 214 are rotated between theirfirst and second positions as described above, grooves 213 can berotated out of engagement with guide rails 211 and actuator knobs 214can be operatively engaged with pusher bar assembly 210. In at least oneembodiment, referring primarily to FIG. 24, pusher bar assembly 210 caninclude a first clutch feature, such as slots or grooves 205, forexample, and actuator knobs 214 can each include a second clutchfeature, such as projections 207, for example, wherein the first andsecond clutch features can be operatively engaged with each other inorder to operatively engage one or more of actuator knobs 214 withpusher bar assembly 210. In at least one such embodiment, projections207 can be closely received within slots 205 such that, when a force isapplied to one or more of actuator knobs 214, the force can betransmitted to pusher bar assembly 210 through projections 207 and thesidewalls of slots 205. In at least one embodiment, similar to theabove, a slight friction or interference fit can be present betweenprojections 207 and slots 205 to hold actuators 214 in their extendedposition. In any event, although not illustrated, the first clutchfeature can include projections extending from the pusher bar assemblywhich can be configured to be received within recesses or slots withinthe actuator knobs. In addition to or in lieu of the above, referring toFIG. 24, pusher bar assembly 210 can further include second guide rails221 which can be configured to be slidably received within slots orgrooves 223 within actuator knobs 214, wherein rails 221 and grooves 223can be configured to guide actuator knobs 214 into their second positionand/or transmit forces from actuator knobs 214 to pusher bar assembly210 once they are in their second position. Similar to guide rails 211,guide rails 221 can be configured to create a slight friction orinterference fit with grooves 223 to hold actuator knobs 214 inposition. Further to the above, in various embodiments, actuator bar 210can include post 225 about which actuator knobs 214 can be rotated. Inat least one embodiment, actuator knobs 214 can include recesses 227which can be contoured such that the sidewalls of recesses 227 canclosely receive and slide around post 225 and, as a result, post 225 canguide actuator knobs 214 as they are rotated between their first andsecond positions, for example.

In various embodiments of the present invention, a stapling instrumentcan include an actuator knob which can be configured to be selectivelyadvanced along a first side of the stapling instrument and a second sideof the stapling instrument. In at least one embodiment, referring toFIGS. 29 and 30, stapling instrument 320 can include an upper handle326, a lower handle 328, and an actuator knob 314, wherein actuator knob314 can, similar to the above, be configured to advance a pusher barassembly within a staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, upperhandle 326 and lower handle 328 can define first slot 327 and secondslot 329 therebetween, wherein slots 327 and 329 can both be configuredto permit actuator knob 314 to slide therethrough. More particularly, invarious embodiments, actuator knob 314 can be configured such that itcan be selectively slid through first slot 327 along first side 301 or,alternatively, through second slot 329 along second side 303. In variousembodiments, referring to FIG. 31, stapling instrument 320 can furtherinclude third slot 331 which can be configured to allow actuator knob314 to be moved from one side of the stapling instrument to the other.In at least one such embodiment, as a result, a surgeon can selectivelyposition actuator knob 314 such that, if it appears that actuator knob314 may impinge on tissue if it is advanced distally on one side of thestapling instrument, actuator knob 314 can rotated over to the otherside of the stapling instrument before it is advanced. Although thefirst and second sides of the illustrated embodiment are located onopposite sides of surgical instrument 320, other embodiments areenvisioned where the first and second slots, for example, are located onadjacent sides and/or sides which are not directly opposite to eachother. Furthermore, other embodiments are envisioned in which the sidesof a stapling instrument are not readily discernable, such asinstruments having round and/or arcuate portions.

In various embodiments, referring primarily to FIG. 29, first slot 327can be configured such that it defines a path for actuator knob 314which is parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, a pathdefined by second slot 329. In at least one embodiment, third slot 331can be configured to connect first slot 327 and second slot 329 suchthat it can define a path for actuator knob 314 which is perpendicularto, or at least substantially perpendicular to, the paths defined byslots 327 and 329. In such embodiments, actuator knob 314 can be rotatedover the top of the surgical instrument to move actuator knob 314 fromfirst side 301 to second side 303. In the event that a surgeon decidesto reposition actuator knob on first side 301, the surgeon can moveactuator knob 314 back through slot 311 until it is positioned withinfirst slot 327 once again. In various alternative embodiments, althoughnot illustrated, a third slot can define a path for actuator knob 314which is parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, and/orco-planar with, or at least substantially co-planar with, the pathsdefined by slots 327 and 329. In further various embodiments, a thirdslot can define a path which is skew with respect to the paths definedby slots 327 and 329. In any event, a third slot can be configuredconnect first and second slots such that an actuator knob can be slidtherewithin.

As outlined above, stapling instrument 320 can include a pusher barassembly which can be operably engaged with actuator knob 314, forexample, such that actuator knob 314 can be configured to advance thepusher bar assembly distally. In various embodiments, referring to FIG.33, stapling instrument 320 can include pusher bar assembly 310 whichcan include a first portion 333 operably engaged with a knife assembly,for example, and, in addition, a second portion 335 which can berotatably mounted to first portion 333. In at least one embodiment,first portion 333 can define an axis 337 about which second portion 335can be rotated. In at least one such embodiment, second portion 335 caninclude aperture 339 defined therein which can be configured to closelyreceive first portion 333. In at least one embodiment, although notillustrated, pusher bar assembly 310 can further include one or moreretaining members, such as set screws, for example, configured to extendinto a groove in first portion 333, for example, for retaining secondportion 335 to first portion 333. In various embodiments, second portion335 can include mount 341 extending therefrom which can be configured toretain actuator knob 314 to second portion 335. In order to moveactuator knob from a first side of stapling instrument 320 to theanother side, as described above, actuator knob 314 and second portion335 can be rotated relative to first portion 333 such that actuator knob314 can be selectively positioned within first slot 327 and second slot329. In at least one embodiment, although not illustrated, a staplinginstrument can have more than two slots for receiving an actuator knobwhen it is advanced within a staple cartridge. In any event, in variousalternative embodiments, first portion 333 and second portion 335 can befixedly mounted together such that they are rotated together about axis337. In at least one such embodiment, first portion 333 can beconfigured to rotate relative to a substantially non-rotatable portionof pusher bar assembly 310.

Referring to FIG. 34, a surgical stapling instrument, generally 1100,can comprise a first handle portion 1102 and a second handle portion1104. In various embodiments, first handle portion 1102 and secondhandle portion 1104 can be configured to be grasped by a surgeon, forexample, and can comprise hand grip portion 1106. In at least oneembodiment, first handle portion 1102, referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, caninclude a first cover 1108 attached to a first frame 1110 and,similarly, second handle portion 1104 can include a second cover 1112attached to a second frame 1114. Covers 1108 and 1112 can beergonomically contoured, or otherwise suitably contoured, to assist asurgeon in manipulating stapling instrument 1100 within a surgical site.In various embodiments, handle covers 1108 and 1112, for example, caninclude enlarged protrusions 1109 and 1113, respectively, which canfacilitate the insertion of stapling instrument 1100 into a surgicalsite. In various embodiments, handle covers 1108 and 1112 can be made ofplastic, lightweight materials, and/or any other suitable material, forexample, while handle frames 1110 and 1114 can be made of stainlesssteel, titanium, and/or any other suitable material, for example.

In various embodiments, referring again to FIGS. 34-37, the distal endsof handle portions 1102 and 1104 can comprise an end-effector 1120 whichcan be configured to treat tissue within a surgical site, for example.In at least one such embodiment, end-effector 1120 can include a staplecartridge channel 1122 configured to receive and/or retain a staplecartridge as described in greater detail further below. In certainembodiments, staple cartridge channel 1122 can comprise a one-pieceelongated channel-shaped frame extending from first handle portion frame1110. In at least one embodiment, staple cartridge channel 1122 caninclude a pair of opposed, elongated side walls 1124 connected by abottom wall 1126. Along the rearward, or proximal, portion of staplecartridge channel 1122, a pair of spaced, upstanding side flanges 1128can extend upwardly from opposed side walls 1124. In variousembodiments, the width of staple cartridge channel 1122 between sideflanges 1128 can be greater than the width of the upper jaw member, oranvil, 1130 extending from second handle portion 1104. In at least oneembodiment, the distance between flanges 1128 can be configured topermit at least a portion of anvil 1130 to be received between sideflanges 1128 when the stapling instrument is assembled for operation. Asshown in FIG. 35, each side flange 1128 of can include a notch, orrecess, 1127, for example, which can be configured to receive one ormore latch projections 1131, for example, extending from anvil 1130,and/or any other suitable portion of second handle portion 1104, asdescribed in greater detail further below.

As indicated above, referring once again to FIGS. 34-37, staplecartridge channel 1122 can be configured to support and/or retain astaple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 1150, for example, withinend-effector 1120, wherein the staple cartridge can include one or morestaples (not illustrated) removably stored therein. In variousembodiments, referring to FIGS. 41-43, staple cartridge 1150 can includeone or more staple cavities 1151 which can be configured to storestaples in any suitable arrangement, such as in at least twolaterally-spaced longitudinal rows, for example. In at least oneembodiment, referring to FIGS. 42 and 43, staple cartridge 1150 caninclude staple cartridge body 1152 and pan, or retainer, 1154, whereinstaple cartridge body 1152 and/or pan 1154 can be configured to define achannel, or path, for slidably receiving a staple sled and/or cuttingmember therein. In at least one embodiment, pan 1154 can includeflexible arms 1155, for example, which can be configured to engagestaple cartridge body 1152 in a snap-fit and/or press-fit arrangement.Referring to FIGS. 43-45, staple cartridge 1150 can further includestaple sled assembly 1160 which can include staple sled portion 1162and, in addition, cutting member 1164. In various embodiments, cuttingmember 1164 can include cutting edge 1165 and lock arm 1166, forexample, wherein lock arm 1166 can be configured to be press-fit and/orsnap-fit into aperture 1163 in staple sled 1162 when cutting member 1164is assembled to staple sled portion 1162. In other various embodiments,staple sled portion 1162 can be integrally molded to cutting member1164.

Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 41-43, staple cartridge body1152 can include a slot, such as slot 1156, for example, which can beconfigured to receive at least a portion of cutting member 1164 therein,and/or any other portion of staple sled assembly 1160 and pusher barassembly 1200 (discussed below), wherein slot 1156 can be configured topermit cutting member 1164 to be moved between first and secondpositions within staple cartridge 1150. In various embodiments, slot1156 can be configured to permit cutting member 1164 to be moved betweena proximal position (FIG. 43) and a distal position in order to incisetissue positioned intermediate staple cartridge 1150 and anvil 1130, forexample. Referring again to FIGS. 43-45, staple sled portion 1162 caninclude cam, ramp, or actuator, surfaces 1167 which can be configured toengage staple drivers positioned within staple cartridge 1150. Invarious embodiments, referring to FIG. 42, staple cartridge 1150 caninclude staple drivers 1168 which can be lifted, or slid, upwardlywithin staple cavities 1151 by sled portion 1162 such that the upwardmovement of staple drivers 1168 can eject, or deploy, staples at leastpartially positioned within staple cavities 1151. While staple drives1168 can be, in fact, lifted vertically upwardly, the term upward, andthe like, can mean that staple drivers 1168, for example, are movedtoward the top surface, or deck, 1158 of the staple cartridge and/ortoward anvil 1130, for example. In certain embodiments, as illustratedin FIG. 42, each staple driver 1168 can include one or more slopedsurfaces 1169 oriented at the same angle as a cam surface 1167, and/orany other suitable angle, which can provide a relatively flat, or atleast substantially flat, sliding contact surface between staple sled1162 and staple drivers 1168. In various embodiments, a staple drivercan be configured to deploy only one staple, while, in certainembodiments, a staple driver can be configured to simultaneously deploytwo or more staples located in adjacent rows, for example. Other devicesare disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/030,424, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED FIRING TRIGGER ARRANGEMENT,which was filed on Feb. 13, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,209, theentire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In various embodiments, as described above, a surgical staplinginstrument can include a cutting member/staple sled assembly configuredto incise tissue and deploy staples from a staple cartridge. In certainembodiments, though, a surgical stapling instrument may not require, orinclude, a cutting member. In at least one such embodiment, a staplecartridge can include a staple sled positioned therein and/or a surgicalinstrument can be configured to move a staple sled into a staplecartridge in order to staple tissue, for example, without otherwisedissecting it. In certain other embodiments, a staple cartridge caninclude a staple sled positioned therein where a surgical instrument caninclude a cutting member movable into, or relative to, the staplecartridge. In at least one such embodiment, the cutting member can beadvanced into contact with the staple sled such that the cutting memberand staple sled can be advanced together. Thereafter, the cutting membercan be sufficiently retracted to allow the staple cartridge to bedetached from the surgical instrument and replaced with a new staplecartridge having a new staple sled. Such embodiments may be useful whena staple sled may become worn or deformed during use. Other embodimentsare envisioned where a staple cartridge can include a cutting memberpositioned therein where a surgical instrument can include a staple sledmovable into, or relative to, the staple cartridge. In at least one suchembodiment, similar to the above, the staple sled can be advanced intocontact with the cutting member such that the cutting member and staplesled can be advanced together. Thereafter, the staple sled can besufficiently retracted to allow the staple cartridge to be detached fromthe surgical instrument and replaced with a new staple cartridge havinga new cutting member. Such embodiments may be useful when a cuttingmember may become worn or deformed during use. In various embodiments,as described in greater detail below, the staple cartridge can include aprotective housing or cover configured to prevent, or at least reducethe possibility of, a surgeon or other clinician from touching thecutting member positioned within the staple cartridge while handling thestaple cartridge, for example.

In various embodiments, further to the above, staple cartridge channel1122 and/or staple cartridge 1150, for example, can include one or moreco-operating projections and/or recesses, for example, which can beconfigured to removably retain staple cartridge 1150 within staplecartridge channel 1122. Once staple cartridge 1150 has been insertedinto staple cartridge channel 1122, in various embodiments, the firsthandle portion 1102 can be assembled to the second handle portion 1104.In other various embodiments, the staple cartridge may be inserted intothe staple cartridge channel after the first and second handle portionshave been assembled together. In either event, referring to FIGS. 34-41,first handle portion 1102 and second handle portion 1104 can includeproximal ends 1103 and 1105, respectively, which can be assembledtogether such that the first and second handle portions can be rotatablyor pivotably coupled to one another. In various embodiments, referringto FIGS. 35 and 36, first handle portion 1102 can include one or morepins, or projections, 1111 extending therefrom which can be configuredto be slidably received within one or more grooves, channels, or slots1115 in second handle portion 1104. In certain embodiments, slots 1115can be defined in second handle frame 1114 and projections 1111 canextend from a proximal end post 1107 extending from first handle frame1110, for example. In order to assemble first handle portion 1102 andsecond handle portion 1104, referring to FIG. 37, the open ends of slots1115 can be aligned with projections 1111 such that second handleportion 1104, for example, can be translated relative to first handleportion 1102 and projections 1111 can be slid within slots 1115. In atleast one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 36, the open endsof slots 1115 can be located proximally with respect to their closedends. In at least one such embodiment, proximal end 1105 of secondhandle portion 1104 can be positioned distally with respect to proximalend 1103 of first handle portion 1102 such that second handle portion1104 can be moved proximally in order to position projections 1111within slots 1115. In various other circumstances, first handle portion1102 can be positioned proximally with respect to second handle portion1104 and slid distally in order to position projections 1111 withinslots 1115.

In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 38, second handle portion 1104can be rotated toward first handle portion 1102 such that anvil 1130 canbe moved into position relative to staple cartridge 1150 and/or staplecartridge channel 1122. In certain embodiments, first handle portion1102 can be rotated toward second handle portion 1104 and/or the firstand second handle portions can be rotated toward each other. In anyevent, projections 1111 and slots 1115, when engaged with one another,can comprise a pivot about which one or both of the first and secondhandle portions can be moved relative to each other. In variousembodiments, second handle portion 1104 can be moved relative to firsthandle portion 1102 such that anvil 1130 is moved into close oppositionto staple cartridge 1150. In certain embodiments, referring to FIG. 39,second handle portion 1104 can be moved relative to first handle portion1102 such that latch projections 1131 extending from second handleportion 1104 can be aligned with and/or inserted into recesses 1127within first handle portion 1102. In various embodiments, referringprimarily to FIGS. 35 and 36, first handle portion 1102 can furtherinclude latching mechanism 1180 rotatably mounted thereto which can beutilized to engage latch projections 1131 extending from second handleportion 1104 and secure the first and second handle portions together.Although not illustrated, other embodiments are envisioned in which alatching mechanism is rotatably mounted to the second handle portion andlatch projections can extend from the first handle portion. In anyevent, in at least one embodiment, latching mechanism 1180 can bemounted to first frame 1110 by one or more pivot pins 1182 which can beconfigured to define an axis about which latch 1180 can be rotated.

In certain embodiments, referring now to FIGS. 37 and 38, latchingmechanism 1180 can include latch frame 1184 and, in addition, latchcover 1186 assembled to latch frame 1184. In other various embodiments,the latch cover and the latch frame can comprise an integral unit or, incertain embodiments, the latching mechanism may not even include acover. In certain embodiments, latch frame 1184 can be channel-shapedand can include a pair of opposed, elongated side walls 1185 which arespaced apart by a distance sufficient to span first frame portion 1110.In at least one embodiment, latch cover 1186 can be made of plastic,lightweight materials, and/or any other suitable materials, for example,while latch frame 1184 can be made of stainless steel and/or any othersuitable material, for example. In certain embodiments, when latchingmechanism 1180 is closed, as illustrated in FIG. 40, latch cover 1186can be aligned with first handle cover 1108. Latch cover 1186 caninclude contoured portion 1187 which can be configured to assist asurgeon in manipulating surgical instrument 1100 wherein, in at leastone embodiment, contoured portion 1187 can be aligned with, or at leastsubstantially aligned with, protrusion 1109 extending from first handlecover 1108. Latching mechanism 1180 can further include one or morelatch arms 1188 extending therefrom which can be configured to engageone or more latch projections 1131 extending from second handle portion104 and pull and/or secure projections 1131 within recesses 1127 asillustrated in FIG. 40. In at least one embodiment, at least one oflatch arms 1188 can be integrally-formed with latch frame 1184. Incertain embodiments, referring to FIG. 39, at least one of latch arms1188 can include a distal hook 1189 which can be configured to wraparound at least a portion of projections 1131 so as to encompass orsurround, or at least partially encompass or surround, projections 1131.In at least one embodiment, latch arms 1188 can act as an over-centerlatch to maintain latching mechanism 1180 in its latched, or closed,position.

In use, in various circumstances, one of the first handle portion 1102and the second handle portion 1104 can be positioned on a first side oftissue within a surgical site and the other handle portion can berotated into position on the opposite side of the tissue. In suchembodiments, staple cartridge 1150 can be positioned on one side of thetissue and anvil 1130 can be positioned on the other side of the tissue.Thereafter, as also outlined above, latching mechanism 1180 can beactuated such that it can be moved between an open position and a closedposition in order to latch second handle portion 1104 to first handleportion 1102 and apply a clamping force to the tissue positioned betweenstaple cartridge 1150 and anvil 1130. In certain circumstances, latchingmechanism 1180 can be moved between an open position (FIG. 38), apartially-closed, or intermediate, position (FIG. 39), and a closedposition (FIG. 40). In at least one such embodiment, referring to FIGS.38 and 39, latching mechanism 1180 can be moved between an open positionin which latch arms 1188 are not engaged with projections 1131 and apartially-closed position in which latch arms 1188 are engaged withprojections 1131 such that, although anvil 1130 has been at leastpartially brought into opposition to staple cartridge 1150, a sufficientgap can remain between anvil 1130 and staple cartridge 1150 which canallow end-effector 1120 to be repositioned relative to the tissue, forexample. Once the anvil 1130 and staple cartridge 1150 have beensufficiently positioned relative to the tissue, latching mechanism 1180can be moved between its partially-closed position and a closedposition, as illustrated in FIG. 40.

In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical staplinginstrument can further include a biasing member which can be configuredto bias the first handle portion of a stapling instrument away from asecond handle portion. In at least one embodiment, as described ingreater detail further below, a spring, and/or any suitably resilientmaterial, can be positioned intermediate the first and second handleportions such that the anvil and staple cartridge of the staplinginstrument can be biased away from each other. In certain embodiments,the spring can be configured to at least partially separate the firstand second handle portions such that a gap exists between the anvil andthe staple cartridge, wherein the gap can be sufficient to allow tissueto be positioned therebetween. In use, a surgeon can position such asurgical stapling instrument without having to separate and hold thefirst and second handle portions apart from each other. Such aninstrument may be especially useful when the stapling instrument is in apartially-closed configuration and the surgeon is manipulating theinstrument within a surgical site. After the surgeon is satisfied withthe positioning of the stapling instrument, the surgeon can compressand/or disengage the spring and place the stapling instrument in aclosed configuration.

In various circumstances, as outlined above, the distal end of firsthandle portion 1102 can be moved relative to the distal end of secondhandle portion 1104, especially when latching mechanism 1180 is notengaged with, or only partially engaged with, projections 1131 of secondhandle portion 1104. In such circumstances, projections 1111 and slots1115 at the proximal ends of the first and second handle portions can beconfigured to retain at least the proximal ends of the first and secondhandle portions together when the distal ends of the first and secondhandle portions are being moved relative to each other, for example.Stated another way, projections 1111 and slots 1115 can cooperate toprevent, or at least inhibit, first handle portion 1102 from becomingcompletely detached from second handle portion 1104. In certainembodiments, a first handle portion can include a first lock portion anda second handle portion can include a second lock portion, wherein thefirst and second lock portions can be configured to be engaged with oneanother and prevent the first handle portion from becoming completelydetached from the second handle portion. In at least one embodiment,projections 1111 can comprise the first lock portion and slots 1115 cancomprise the second lock portion. Previous stapling instruments lackedsuch lock portions and instead relied on a sole latching mechanism tokeep the first and second handle portions together. In circumstanceswhere the latching mechanisms of these previous stapling instrumentswere not fully engaged with both of the first and second handleportions, the first and second handle portions could become completelydetached from one another, thereby requiring a surgeon, for example, toreposition and reassemble the handle portions. In certain circumstances,a complete detachment of the first and second handle portions of theseprevious staples could expose at least a portion of a cutting member.

In various embodiments, as outlined above, latching mechanism 1180 canbe configured to be moved between an open position, a partially-closedposition, and a closed position. When latching mechanism 1180 is in itsopen position, as also outlined above, projections 1111 can be insertedinto and/or removed from slots 1115. When latching mechanism 1180 is inits partially-closed position, referring to FIG. 39, latch arms 1188 canbe configured to engage latch projections 1131 such that projections1111 cannot be removed from slots 1115. In at least one such embodiment,latch arms 1188 and latch projections 1131 can be configured to prevent,or at least inhibit, second handle portion 1104 from being moveddistally with respect to first handle portion 1102 and, as a result,prevent, or at least inhibit, projections 1111 from being disengagedfrom slots 1115. Correspondingly, latch arms 1188 and latch projections1131 can be configured to prevent first handle portion 1102 from beingmoved proximally with respect to second handle portion 1104. Similar tothe above, in various embodiments, latch arms 1188 and latch projections1131 can also be configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, projections1111 from being removed from slots 1115 when latching mechanism 1180 isin its closed position (FIG. 40). In certain embodiments, further to theabove, latch projections 1131 can extend from second handle portion 1104at a location which is intermediate its proximal and distal ends. In atleast one such embodiment, projections 1111 and slots 1115 can beconfigured to hold the first and second handle portions together attheir proximal ends while latching mechanism 1180 can be utilized tohold the first and second handle portions together at an intermediatelocation. In any event, in certain embodiments, the first and secondhandle portions cannot be disengaged from one another unless latchingmechanism 1180 is moved into its fully open position. In at least onesuch embodiment, projections 1111 and slots 1115 cannot be disengagedfrom one another when latching mechanism 1180 is in a closed and/orpartially-closed position.

Once anvil 1130 and staple cartridge 1150 have been sufficientlypositioned, the tissue positioned intermediate anvil 1130 and staplecartridge 1150 can be stapled and/or incised. In various embodiments,referring to FIG. 36, surgical stapling instrument 1100 can furtherinclude pusher bar assembly 1200 which can be configured to advanceand/or retract staple sled assembly 1160 within staple cartridge 1150,for example. In at least one embodiment, pusher bar assembly 1200 caninclude pusher bar 1202 and firing actuator 1204, wherein firingactuator 1204 can be configured to move pusher bar 1202 and staple sledassembly 1160 distally to deploy staples from staple cartridge 1150 anddeform the staples against anvil 1130 as described above. In at leastone embodiment, referring to FIGS. 44 and 45, staple sled 1162 caninclude a groove, channel, or slot 1161 which can be configured toreceive, and can be operably connected to, a distal end 1201 (FIG. 36)of pusher bar 1202. In certain embodiments, staple sled assembly 1160can be operably engaged with pusher bar 1202 when staple cartridge 1150is inserted into staple cartridge channel 1122. In at least oneembodiment, distal end 1201 and slot 1161 can include cooperatingfeatures which can allow distal end 1201 and slot 1161 to be assembledin a transverse direction but prevent, or at least inhibit, distal end1201 and slot 1161 from being disassembled from one another in aproximal direction and/or distal direction. In other embodiments, pusherbar 1202 can be advanced distally before contacting and engaging staplesled assembly 1160. In at least one such embodiment, the staple sledassembly 1160 can remain stationary until contacted by pusher bar 1202.In any event, as outlined above, actuator 1204 can be operably connectedto pusher bar 1202 such that a pushing and/or pulling force can beapplied to actuator 1204 and transmitted to pusher bar 1202. In certainembodiments, as described in greater detail below, actuator 1204 can bepivotably connected to a proximal end 1203 of pusher bar 1202 such thatactuator 1204 can be selectively rotated between at least first andsecond positions.

Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 34, 46, and 47, actuator 1204can be movable between a first position on a first side 1116 of surgicalstapling instrument 1100 (FIG. 46), a second position on a second side1117 (FIG. 47), and an intermediate position (FIG. 34) located at theproximal ends 1103 and 1105 of the first and second handle portions 1102and 1104. Once actuator 1204 has been rotated into position on one ofthe first and second sides 1116, 1117, actuator 1204 can be advanceddistally. In various circumstances, as a result, a surgeon may selectwhether to move actuator 1204 distally along first side 1116 or secondside 1117. Such circumstances may arise when it is more likely thatactuator 1204 may impinge on tissue surrounding the surgical site, forexample, when actuator 1204 is moved distally along one side of thesurgical instrument as compared to the other. In various embodiments,referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, actuator 1204 can include arm 1206extending therefrom where arm 1206 can be pivotably mounted to proximalend 1203 of pusher bar 1202. In certain embodiments, referring onceagain to FIGS. 34, 46, and 47, surgical instrument 1100 can include afirst slot (not illustrated) extending along first side 1116 and asecond slot 1118 extending along second side 1117, wherein the first andsecond slots can be configured to slidably receive at least a portion ofactuator 1204. In at least one embodiment, the sidewalls of the firstand second slots can confine, or at least assist in confining, themovement of actuator 1204 such that it can be moved along apredetermined path. Referring to FIG. 47, second slot 1118, for example,can be defined between first handle portion 1102 and second handleportion 1104 such that, when actuator 1204 is moved distally alongsecond side 1117, arm 1206 of actuator 1204 can be slid intermediate thefirst and second handle portions. Similar to the above, the first slotcan also be defined intermediate the first and second handle portions.In various embodiments, referring again to FIGS. 46 and 47, surgicalinstrument 1100 can further include intermediate slot 1119 which canalso be configured to allow arm 1206, and/or any other suitable portionof actuator 1204, to slide therein. In at least one such embodiment,intermediate slot 1119 can connect the first and second slots such that,when actuator 1204 is positioned in its intermediate position, actuator1204 can be moved into either one of its first and second positions. Incertain embodiments, the first slot, second slot 1117, and intermediateslot 1119 can be parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to oneanother and/or lie in the same plane, although other embodiments areenvisioned in which one or more of the slots is not parallel to theothers and/or lies in a different plane. Furthermore, although the firstand second sides of the illustrated embodiment are located on oppositesides of surgical instrument 1100, other embodiments are envisionedwhere the first and second slots, for example, are located on adjacentsides and/or sides which are not directly opposite to each other.Furthermore, other embodiments are envisioned in which the sides of astapling instrument are not readily discernable, such as instrumentshaving round and/or arcuate portions.

In various embodiments, further to the above, surgical staplinginstrument 1100 can further include a locking mechanism which canprevent, or at least inhibit, actuator 1204 and, correspondingly, staplesled assembly 1160, from being advanced prematurely. In at least oneembodiment, the locking mechanism can be configured to prevent, or atleast inhibit, actuator 1204 from being advanced distally prior tolatching mechanism 1180 being moved into a closed, or an at leastpartially-closed, position. In certain embodiments, generally referringto FIG. 38, surgical stapling instrument 1100 can further includinglocking mechanism 1220 which can be engaged with actuator 1204 and canremain engaged with actuator 1204 while latching mechanism 1180 is in afully open position (FIG. 38) and/or an at least substantially-openposition. In various embodiments, locking mechanism 1220 can includelock 1222 which can be biased into engagement with actuator 1204 by abiasing force applied thereto by lock spring 1224, for example. In atleast one such embodiment, actuator 1204 can include one or moregrooves, channels, or slots (not illustrated) which can be configured toreceive at least a portion of lock 1222. In use, locking mechanism 1220can hold actuator 1204 in position until latching mechanism 1180 ismoved into its fully closed position (FIG. 40) and/or an at leastsubstantially closed position. In such circumstances, in at least oneembodiment, latching mechanism 1180 can be configured to engage lockingmechanism 1220 and disengage lock 1222 from actuator 1204. In at leastone such embodiment, referring to FIGS. 38-40, latching mechanism 1180can further include cam 1183 which can be configured to engage camsurface 1223 on lock 1222 when latching mechanism 1180 is moved into itsclosed position and, as a result, slide, and/or otherwise move, lock1222 away from actuator 1204. In various embodiments, cam 1183 cancomprise a wall, rib, and/or ridge extending from latch cover 1186and/or latch frame 1184. In any event, once lock 1222 has beensufficiently disengaged from actuator 1204, in at least one embodiment,actuator 1204 can be moved from its intermediate position, illustratedin FIG. 34, into one of its first and second positions, as illustratedin FIGS. 46 and 47.

As described above, locking mechanism 1220 can be configured to prevent,or at least inhibit, drive bar 1202 from being advanced distally priorto latching mechanism 1180 being moved into a predetermined position,such as, for example, a closed position and/or partially-closedposition. Advantageously, locking mechanism 1220 may also prevent, or atleast inhibit, staple sled assembly 1160 from being advanced prior tothe first handle portion 1102 and the second handle portion 1104 beingassembled together. In effect, locking mechanism 1220 can prevent tissuepositioned intermediate anvil 1130 and staple cartridge 1150 from beingcut and/or stapled prior to anvil 1130 and staple cartridge 1150 beingproperly positioned relative to the tissue. Also, in effect, lockingmechanism 1220 can prevent staples from being deployed into the tissueprior to an appropriate clamping force being applied to the tissue. Inany event, when latching mechanism 1180 is returned to its fully openposition, and/or a partially-open position, cam 1183 can be moved awayfrom lock 1222 such that lock spring 1124 can bias lock 1222 intoengagement with actuator 1204 once again. In various other embodiments,referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, locking mechanism 1220′ can include a lock1222′ comprising a cam surface 1223′ and, in addition, a stop 1226′which can limit the relative movement of lock 1222′. In at least oneembodiment, cam 1183, for example, can be configured to contact camsurface 1223′ and, owing to the contoured, beveled, and/or angledsurface of cam surface 1223′, cam 1183 can be configured to drive lock1222′ distally as illustrated in FIG. 49. Lock 1222′ can be drivendistally such that pin 1228′, which extends from lock 1222′, can bemoved between a first position (FIG. 48) in which it is positionedwithin aperture 1229′ in actuator 1204′ and a second position (FIG. 49)in which pin 1228′ has been sufficiently removed from aperture 1229′. Invarious embodiments, stop 1226′ can be configured such that, as lock1222′ is driven distally, stop 1226′ can come into contact with cam 1183once lock 1222′ has been sufficiently displaced. In such embodiments,stop 1226′ can be configured to control the second, or displaced,position of lock 1222′. Similar to the above, as actuator 1180 is movedout of its closed position and cam 1183 is disengaged from lockingmechanism 1220′, lock spring 1224′ can move lock 1222′ into engagementwith actuator 1204′ once again.

In various embodiments, as described above, a firing actuator can beutilized to move a pusher bar, staple sled, and/or cutting memberbetween first and second positions. As also described above, pusher barassembly 1200, for example, can be utilized to move a staple sledassembly, such as staple sled assembly 1160, for example, between aproximal position (FIG. 43) and a distal position. In certainembodiments, a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 1150, forexample, can include a staple sled assembly 1160 contained therein,wherein staple sled assembly 1160 can be positioned in a proximalposition, as illustrated in FIG. 43, when the staple cartridge isassembled to or inserted into staple cartridge channel 1122. In at leastone such embodiment, referring to FIGS. 41-43, staple cartridge 1150 caninclude further housing 1170 which can be configured to cover at least aportion of cutting member 1164 when staple sled assembly 1160 is in itsproximal position, for example. In various embodiments, housing 1170 canbe configured to protect a surgeon, for example, when handling thestaple cartridge, when inserting the staple cartridge into the surgicalstapler, and/or assembling two or more portions of the surgical staplertogether, for example. In at least one such embodiment, at least anupper portion of cutting edge 1165 can extend above deck, or topsurface, 1158 of staple cartridge 1150 and, absent a protective housing,such as housing 1170, for example, the upper portion of cutting edge1165 may be exposed.

In various embodiments, as described above, cutting member 1165 can beat least partially positioned within slot, or channel, 1156 and, asillustrated in FIG. 43, at least the upper, or top, portion of cuttingmember 1164 can extend above deck 1158. In at least one embodiment,referring to FIGS. 41-43, housing 1170 can include a first wall, orportion, 1172 extending from a first portion 1157 of staple cartridgebody 1152, a second wall, or portion, 1174 extending from a secondportion 1159 of staple cartridge body 1152, and a top wall, or portion,1176 extending between first wall 1172 and second wall 1174. In certainembodiments, a housing may comprise only one support wall, or supportportion, extending from a staple cartridge body and, in addition, a topwall, or top portion, extending therefrom. In other embodiments, ahousing may comprise one or more side walls, or portions, and no topwall. In at least one such embodiment, the side walls of the housing canbe configured such that they extend above the top of the cutting member,or at least extend above a cutting edge of the cutting member, forexample. In any event, as illustrated in FIG. 43, at least a portion ofcutting member 1164 can be positioned underneath top wall 1176 and/orbetween side walls 1172 and 1174 when staple sled assembly 1160 is inits proximal position. In certain embodiments, cutting member 1164 canbe entirely positioned underneath top wall 1176, and/or entirelypositioned within housing 1170. In at least one embodiment, cuttingmember 1164 can be positioned underneath top wall 1176 such that cuttingsurface 1165 does not extend beyond the distal edge 1175 and/or theproximal edge 1177 of top wall 1176. In at least one embodiment, housing1170 can include a rear wall 1178 which can be configured to limit theproximal movement of cutting member 1164 and/or any other portion ofstaple sled assembly 1160. In various embodiments, at least a portion ofhousing 1170, for example, can be integrally-formed with staplecartridge body 1152. In at least one such embodiment, first wall 1172,second wall 1174, top wall 1176, and/or rear wall 1178 can be formedwhen staple cartridge body 1152 is injection molded, for example. Incertain embodiments, at least a portion of housing 1170 can be assembledto staple cartridge body 1152 via a snap-fit arrangement, press-fitarrangement, and/or any other suitable manner.

In various embodiments, further to the above, cutting member 1164 can bedefined by a planar, or an at least substantially planar, body having aknife edge extending along at least one side of the cutting member body.In at least one such embodiment, first wall 1172 and/or second wall 1174can be configured and arranged such that they can include planar, or atleast substantially planar, interior surfaces 1173 which are parallel,or at least substantially parallel, to the side surfaces of cuttingmember 1164. In certain embodiments, cutting member 1164 can be closelyreceived between the interior surfaces 1173 of walls 1172 and 1174. Inat least one such embodiment, the distance between walls 1172 and 1174may be the same as, or at least substantially the same as, the width ofslot 1156. In any event, a housing can be configured such that at leasta portion of the housing extends over at least a portion of slot 1156,for example. In certain embodiments, housing 1170 can completely encloseor surround a cutting member 1164 and/or cutting surface 1165. In atleast one embodiment, although not illustrated, a housing can include abreak-away and/or incisable portion which can be at least partiallydetached, separated, and/or otherwise deformed in order to permit acutting member to exit the housing. In at least one such embodiment, thetissue cutting surface can be configured to contact the housing to breakand/or incise a housing wall, for example. In various embodiments, thehousing wall can include a thin portion, a reduced-thickness portion,score mark, and/or any other configuration to facilitate the deformationand/or incision of the housing wall. In certain embodiments, a cuttingmember can include one or more additional cutting surfaces and/oranvils, for example, which can be configured to deform and/or incise thehousing. In at least one embodiment, the housing can include a movableand/or flexible portion, such as a hinged member and/or flexible flap,for example, which can be configured to sufficiently move and/or flex toallow the cutting member to pass thereby. In any event, embodiments areenvisioned in which the cutting member can have any suitableconfiguration for incising tissue and the protective housing can haveany suitable configuration for at least partially enclosing orsurrounding the cutting member. Furthermore, although a cutting membercan comprise a sharpened edge as described above, other suitable cuttingmembers are envisioned, such as those supplied with an electricalcurrent sufficient to dissect tissue, for example.

As described above, housing 1170 can be configured to at least partiallycover, enclose, and/or surround a cutting member when it is in itsproximal position. In various embodiments, the cutting member can beadvanced distally to incise tissue, for example, and then retractedproximally in order to position the cutting member within housing 1170once again. In such embodiments, the cutting member can be at leastpartially covered by housing 1170 when the staple cartridge is assembledto and removed from a surgical stapling instrument. In certainembodiments, a new, or unspent, staple cartridge can be inserted intothe staple cartridge channel to replace the at least partially spentstaple cartridge. In at least one such embodiment, the new staplecartridge can include a new cutting member and/or staple sled assemblypositioned therein, although embodiments are envisioned in which thepreviously-used cutting member and/or staple sled assembly can besufficiently withdrawn from the spent staple cartridge and advanced intothe new staple cartridge in order to be reused once again. Inembodiments where a new cutting member and/or staple sled assembly isprovided with each new staple cartridge, a sharp cutting edge, forexample, can be utilized with each staple cartridge.

In various embodiments, although not illustrated, a staple cartridge caninclude two or more housings configured to at least partially cover acutting member when it is in two or more positions. In at least oneembodiment, a staple cartridge can include a proximal housing configuredto at least partially cover the cutting member when it is in a proximalposition, for example, and, in addition, a distal housing configured toat least partially cover the cutting member when it is in a distalposition, for example. In at least one such embodiment, the cuttingmember can be positioned within the proximal housing when the staplecartridge is assembled to a surgical stapling instrument and, in certainembodiments, the cutting member can be advanced into the distal housingafter it has transected tissue positioned within the end-effector, forexample. In such embodiments, as a result, the cutting member can be atleast partially positioned within the distal housing when the staplecartridge is removed from the surgical stapler. Such embodiments may beparticularly useful when a vessel, for example, is positionedintermediate the proximal housing and the distal housing of the staplecartridge. In various embodiments, although not illustrated, a cuttingmember can be moved proximally from a distal position to a proximalposition, and/or any other suitable position.

In various embodiments, as discussed above, staple cartridge 1150 can beinserted into staple cartridge channel 1122. Referring now to FIG. 92, aproximal end 1213 of staple cartridge 1150 can be positioned within aproximal end 1123 of staple cartridge channel 1122 while a distal end1211 of staple cartridge 1150 can be positioned within a distal end 1121of staple cartridge channel 1122. In at least one embodiment, the distalend 1121 of staple cartridge channel 1122 can comprise one or moreprojections and/or one or more recesses which can be correspondinglyaligned with one or more projections and/or one or more recesses in thedistal end 1211 of staple cartridge 1150, for example. In at least onesuch embodiment, each sidewall 1124 of staple cartridge channel 1122 cancomprise a projection, or tab, 1279 and a recess, or slot, 1278, whereineach side of staple cartridge 1150 can comprise, referring to FIG. 95, aprojection 1274 configured to be positioned within a recess 1278 and, inaddition, a recess 1270 configured to receive a projection 1279. Invarious embodiments, each recess 1270 of staple cartridge 1150 cancomprise opposing sidewalls 1272 and 1273 and a distal surface 1271,wherein the distal surface 1271 can be positioned against the projection1279 positioned therein when the staple cartridge 1150 is positioned instaple cartridge channel 1122. In various circumstances, as discussed ingreater detail below, the distal surfaces 1271 of recesses 1270 canserve as a datum surface from which certain features of the staplecartridge 1150 can be predetermined. In some circumstances, the distalend 1211 of staple cartridge 1150 can be aligned with and/or insertedinto the distal end 1121 of staple cartridge channel 1122 before theproximal end 1213 of staple cartridge 1150 is inserted into the proximalend 1123 of staple cartridge channel 1122. For example, the distal end1211 of staple cartridge channel 1150 can be aligned with the staplecartridge channel 1122 such that projections 1279 are positioned withinrecesses 1270 wherein, thereafter, the staple cartridge 1150 can berocked, or rotated, toward staple cartridge channel 1122 such thatproximal end 1213 of staple cartridge 1150 is inserted into the proximalend 1123 of staple cartridge channel 1122.

When distal end 1211 of staple cartridge 1150 is engaged with the distalend 1121 of staple cartridge channel 1122, as described above, theprojections 1274 of staple cartridge 1150 can be inserted into therecesses 1279 of staple cartridge channel 1122 by hooking theprojections 1274 underneath the projections 1278 of staple cartridgechannel 1122. In such circumstances, the co-operation of projections1274 and 1278 and recesses 1270 and 1279 can attach the distal end 1211of staple cartridge 1150 to the distal end of staple cartridge 1122 and,in addition, align the staple cartridge 1150 with the staple cartridgechannel 1122 such that the staple cartridge 1150 can be inserted betweenthe sidewalls 1124 of staple cartridge channel 1122. Once the distal end1211 of staple cartridge 1150 has been hooked to staple cartridgechannel 1122, at least one of the staple cartridge 1150 and the staplecartridge channel 1122 can be rotated toward the other. In variouscircumstances, referring again to FIGS. 92 and 95, the staple cartridge1150 can be pivoted toward the staple cartridge channel 1122 such thatalignment slots 1280 in staple cartridge channel 1150 become alignedwith side flanges 1128. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge1150 can comprise alignment slots 1280 on opposite sides thereof whichcan each be configured to receive a side flange 1128. In at least oneembodiment, each alignment slot 1280 can comprise lateral sidewalls 1283and 1284 and a basewall 1281 extending between the sidewalls 1283 and1284. Further to the above, a predetermined distance 1289 can bemeasured between the distal datum surfaces 1271 of recesses 1270 to thedistal basewalls 1281 of alignment slots 1280. Referring now to FIGS. 93and 95, the predetermined distance 1288 between the distal end of theprojections 1279 and the distal end of the side flanges 1128 can be suchthat it is shorter than the distance 1289 between the distal surfaces1271 of recesses 1270 and the basewalls 1281 of alignment slots 1280.Owing to the distance 1288 being shorter than the distance 1289, thestaple cartridge 1150 can be rotated into position as described abovesuch that side flanges 1128 can enter into alignment slots 1280. Invarious embodiments, alignment slots 1280 can be sized and configuredsuch that the side flanges 1128 are closely received between thesidewalls 1283 and 1284 such that there is little, if any, relativemovement between the side flanges 1128 and the sidewalls of thealignment slots 1280, for example.

In various alternative embodiments, further to the above, the proximalend 1213 of the staple cartridge 1150 can be inserted into the distalend 1121 of staple cartridge channel 1122 and slid proximally betweensidewalls 1124 such that the proximal end 1213 of staple cartridgechannel 1150 enters into the proximal end 1123 of staple cartridgechannel 1122. During such sliding movement, the side flanges 1128 canenter into alignment slots 1280 and, in addition, the projections 1279can enter into the recesses 1270. In certain embodiments, the staplecartridge 1150 can be both slid and rotated into the staple cartridgechannel 1122. In any event, in various embodiments, the staple cartridge1150 and the staple cartridge channel 1122 can be configured such thatthe staple cartridge 1150 can be removably secured within the staplecartridge channel 1122. In at least one embodiment, referring primarilynow to FIGS. 95 and 100, the staple cartridge 1150 can comprise one ormore retention features which can be configured to releasably engage oneor more retention features in the staple cartridge channel 1122. Moreparticularly, in at least one such embodiment, the staple cartridge 1150can comprise one or more retention slots 1190 which can be configured toengage one or more retention keys 1195 in the staple cartridge channel1122. In various embodiments, referring again to FIG. 95, each retentionslot 1190 can comprise a first, or entrance, portion 1191 which can beconfigured to receive a retention key 1195 therein and, in addition, asecond portion 1192 which can be configured to receive the retention key1195 after it has passed through the entrance portion 1191. The entranceportion 1191, in certain embodiments, can define a first width between aproximal side 1193 and a distal side 1194 of retention slot 1190 and, inaddition, the second portion 1192 can define a second width between theproximal side 1193 and the distal side 1194 which is wider than thefirst width of entrance portion 1191. In various embodiments, the firstwidth of entrance portion 1191 can be narrower than the width of theretention key 1195 and the second width of second portion 1192 can bewider than the width of the retention key 1195. In at least one suchembodiment, a retention slot 1190 can be configured to engage aretention key 1195 in at least one of a press-fit and/or a snap-fitmanner. In certain embodiments, at least one of the proximal side 1193and/or the distal side 1194 can be configured to flex or splay outwardlyas the retention key 1195 is inserted into retention slot 1190. In atleast one such embodiment, the proximal sides 1193 can be displacedproximally. In any event, referring to FIG. 100, once the retention slot1190 has received the retention key 1195, the proximal side 1193 ofretention slot 1190 can be positioned on a proximal side 1196 ofretention key 1195 and the distal side 1194 of retention slot 1190 canbe positioned on a distal side 1197 of retention key 1195.

As outlined above, the staple cartridge 1150 can be assembled into thestaple cartridge channel 1122 by coupling the distal end 1211 of staplecartridge 1150 to the distal end 1121 of staple cartridge channel 1122and then rotating the proximal end 1213 of staple cartridge 1150 intothe proximal end 1123 of staple cartridge channel 1122. In at least onesuch embodiment, the retention slots 1190 can be configured to engagethe retention keys 1195 as the staple cartridge 1195 is rotated into itsseated position within staple cartridge channel 1122. Referring now toFIG. 93, a predetermined distance 1199 between the distal datum surfaces1271 of recesses 1270 and the retention slots 1190 can be sized andconfigured such that the retention slots 1190 are aligned with theretention keys 1195 as the staple cartridge 1150 is rotated intoposition as described above. Correspondingly, in at least oneembodiment, a distance between the distal ends of projections 1279 andretention keys 1195 can be such that it equals, or at leastsubstantially equals, the distance 1199. In various circumstances, theabove-mentioned distances can be measured to the center of the featurescomprising retention slots 1190 and retention keys 1195. For example,the distance 1199 can be measured to a position in the center of slot1190 intermediate the proximal and distal sidewalls thereof, forexample. In various embodiments, the retention slot 1190 can furthercomprise lead-in, beveled, and/or radiused surfaces, which can beconfigured to guide, or direct, the retention keys 1195 into theretention slots 1190. In at least one such embodiment, these lead-insurfaces can be wider than the first portions 1191.

As staple cartridge 1150 is rotated into staple cartridge 1122, acutting member and/or staple deploying sled positioned within the staplecartridge 1150 can be operably engaged with the pusher bar 1202. Moreparticularly, referring now to FIGS. 97-99, the staple cartridge 1150can include a cutting member 1160 which can be operably coupled withpusher bar 1202 such that, after the staple cartridge 1150 has beenseated within the staple cartridge channel 1122, the pusher bar 1202 andcutting member 1160 can be advanced together as described above. In atleast one embodiment, the cutting member 1160 can comprise a slot 1161which can be configured to receive a distal drive projection 1294 (FIG.93) at the distal end of pusher bar 1202. More particularly, referringnow to FIG. 101, the slot 1161 of cutting member 1160 can be alignedwith an access slot 1290 in the bottom of the staple cartridge 1150 suchthat, as the proximal end 1213 of staple cartridge 1150 is seated in theproximal end 1123 of staple cartridge channel 1122, the drive projection1294 of pusher bar 1200 can extend through the access slot 1290 into theslot 1161 of cutting member 1160. In various embodiments, the slot 1161and the drive projection 1294 can be sized and configured such thatthere is little, if any, relative movement therebetween. Moreparticularly, referring again to FIGS. 98 and 99, the slot 1161 cancomprise a distal sidewall 1291 and a proximal sidewall 1292 wherein thedrive projection 1294 can be securely received between the sidewalls1291 and 1292. In various embodiments, referring again to FIGS. 93 and101, the pusher bar 1202 can further comprise a recess, or slot, 1295positioned proximally with respect to the drive projection 1294 whereinthe slot 1295 can be configured to receive a proximal projection 1293(FIG. 97) extending from the cutting member 1160. Similar to the above,the slot 1295 can be defined by sidewalls which can be configured toclosely receive the proximal projection 1293 such that there is little,if any, relative movement therebetween.

As described above, the slot 1161 of cutting member 1160 can bepositioned within the staple cartridge 1150 such that it is aligned withthe drive projection 1294 of pusher bar 1202 when the staple cartridge1150 is seated within the staple cartridge channel 1122. Referring nowto FIG. 96, a predetermined distance 1299 can be defined between thedistal surfaces 1271 of recesses 1270 and the slot 1161, wherein thedistance 1299 can be equal to, or at least substantially equal to, apredetermined distance 1297 between the distal end of the projections1279 and the drive projection 1294. In various circumstances, thecutting member 1160 can be moved through a range of positions between aproximal-most position, in which it is positioned in housing 1170, and adistal-most position after it has been advanced through the cutting slot1156. In various embodiments, the distance 1299 can be measured withrespect to the cutting member 1160 when it is in its proximal-mostposition. Similar to the above, the distances 1297 and 1299 can bemeasured to the center or midpoint of the drive projection 1297 and slot1161, respectively. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument 1100can further comprise a locking mechanism which can be configured to holdthe pusher bar 1202 in position while the cutting member 1160 is engagedwith the drive projection 1294. Similar to the above, in certainembodiments, a distance 1298 can be defined between the distal end ofprojections 1279 and the recess 1295 of pusher bar 1202 wherein thedistance 1298 can be equal to, or at least substantially equal to, thedistance between the distal surface 1271 of recesses 1270 and theprojection 1293 of cutting member 1160. In various embodiments,referring primarily now to FIGS. 97 and 100, the staple cartridge 1150can comprise a clearance region defined between the proximal end 1295 ofthe staple cartridge body 1152 and the proximal end 1294 of the staplecartridge pan 1154, wherein such a clearance region can be configured toreceive the pusher bar 1202 and/or a portion of the staple cartridgechannel 1122 therein, for example. In any event, the pusher bar 1202 canbe advanced distally once it has been engaged with cutting member 1160,wherein such movement is depicted in FIG. 100 which illustrates thedistal end 1201 of pusher bar 1202 in a proximal position (illustratedwith solid lines) and a second, distal position (illustrated withphantom lines), for example.

In various embodiments, as described above, the distal end 1211 ofstaple cartridge 1150 can be engaged with the distal end 1121 of thestaple cartridge channel 1122 and then pivoted into staple cartridgechannel 1122 such that the proximal end 1213 of staple cartridge 1150can be seated in the proximal end 1123 of staple cartridge channel 1122.Such a process can comprise engaging the projections 1274 of staplecartridge 1150 underneath the projections 1276 of staple cartridgechannel 1122 and then, as described above, rotating the staple cartridge1150 until alignment slots 1280 are positioned adjacent to flanges 1182.At such point, in various embodiments, the cutting member 1160 may notbe engaged with the pusher bar 1202 and, in addition, the retentionslots 1190 may not be engaged with the retention keys 1195. As a result,the surgeon, or clinician, can adjust the position of the staplecartridge 1150 within the staple cartridge channel 1122 before thestaple cartridge 1150 is locked into position. Once the side flanges1182 have been at least partially positioned in alignment slots 1280,the proximal end 1213 can be further rotated toward the staple cartridgechannel 1122. At such point, the cutting member 1160 can come intooperable engagement with the pusher bar 1202 and, in addition, theretention slots 1190 can engage the retention keys 1195. In variousembodiments, the cutting member 1160 can operably engage the pusher bar1202 at the same time, or at least substantially the same time, as theretention slots engage retention keys 1195. More particularly, in atleast one embodiment, the drive projection 1294 of pusher bar 1202 canenter slot 1161 of cutting member 1160 at the same time that theretention keys 1195 enter into, or snap into, the second portions 1192of slots 1190. In at least one such embodiment, the cutting member 1160may not be advanceable by the pusher bar 1202 until the staple cartridge1150 is snapped into, or seated in, place. In certain alternativeembodiments, the cutting member 1160 can be operably engaged with thepusher bar 1202 before the retention keys 1195 are fully seated withinthe retention slots 1190 when the proximal end 1213 of the staplecartridge 1150 is seated in the proximal end 1123 of the staplecartridge channel 1122. In various embodiments, the retention slots 1190can be aligned with each other such that they engage the retention keys1195 at the same time, or at least substantially the same time. In atleast one such embodiment, the retention slots can be configured suchthat the retention keys 1195 enter into the second portions 1192 of theretention slots 1190 simultaneously. In at least one embodiment, theretention slots 1190 can be positioned along an axis which is transverseto or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the cutting slot1156. In various embodiments, the retention slots 1190, and the axisdefined therebetween, can be positioned proximally with respect to thecutting member 1160 regardless of the position of the cutting member1160 including when the cutting member 1160 is in its proximal-mostposition, for example.

In various embodiments, the cutting slot 1156 can define a first bodyportion 1152 a on a first side thereof and a second body portion 1152 bon a second, or opposite, side thereof. Referring to FIGS. 95 and 98,the first body portion 1152 a can comprise a first plurality of staplecavities 1151 and, in addition, the second body portion 1152 b cancomprise a second plurality of staple cavities 1151. In at least oneembodiment, the first body portion 1152 a can comprise a proximal-moststaple cavity 1151 a which can be positioned proximally relative to theother staple cavities 1151 in first body portion 1152 a. In at least oneembodiment, the entirety of staple cavity 1151 a can be positionedproximally relative to base wall 1281 of the alignment slot 1280 infirst body portion 1152 a, while, in other embodiments, at least aportion of staple cavity 1151 a can be positioned proximally relative tothe base wall 1281. As illustrated in FIG. 97, the alignment slot 1280in the first body portion 1152 a is positioned laterally with respect tothe proximal-most staple cavity 1151 a and, in addition, laterally withrespect to the cutting slot 1156. Further to the above, the first bodyportion 1152 a can comprise a second proximal-most staple cavity 1151 cwhich can be positioned proximally relative to the other staple cavities1151 in first body portion 1152 a except for proximal-most staple cavity1151 a. In at least one embodiment, the entirety of staple cavity 1151 ccan be positioned proximally relative to base wall 1281 of the alignmentslot 1280 in first body portion 1152 a, while, in other embodiments, atleast a portion of staple cavity 1151 c can be positioned proximallyrelative to the base wall 1281. As illustrated in FIG. 97, the alignmentslot 1280 is the first body portion 1152 a is at least partiallypositioned laterally with respect to the second proximal-most staplecavity 1151 c. Still referring to FIG. 97, the first body portion 1152 acan comprise a retention slot 1190 therein which can be positionedproximally with respect to the staple cavities 1151 therein, includingthe staple cavities 151 a and 1151 c, for example.

Referring to FIG. 95, further to the above, the second body portion 1152b can comprise a proximal-most staple cavity 1151 b which can bepositioned proximally relative to the other staple cavities 1151 insecond body portion 1152 b. In at least one embodiment, the entirety ofstaple cavity 1151 b can be positioned proximally relative to base wall1281 of the alignment slot 1280 in second body portion 1152 b, while, inother embodiments, at least a portion of staple cavity 1151 b can bepositioned proximally relative to the base wall 1281. As illustrated inFIG. 95, the alignment slot 1280 in the second body portion 1152 b ispositioned laterally with respect to the proximal-most staple cavity1151 b and the cutting slot 1156. Further to the above, the second bodyportion 1152 b can comprise a second proximal-most staple cavity 1151 dwhich can be positioned proximally relative to the other staple cavities1151 in second body portion 1152 b except for proximal-most staplecavity 1151 b. In at least one embodiment, the entirety of staple cavity1151 d can be positioned proximally relative to base wall 1281 of thealignment slot 1280 in second body portion 1152 b, while, in otherembodiments, at least a portion of staple cavity 1151 d can bepositioned proximally relative to the base wall 1281. As illustrated inFIG. 95, the alignment slot 1280 in the second body portion 1152 b is atleast partially positioned laterally with respect to the secondproximal-most staple cavity 1151 d. Still referring to FIG. 95, thesecond body portion 1152 b can comprise a retention slot 1190 thereinwhich can be positioned proximally with respect to the staple cavities1151 therein, including the staple cavities 1151 b and 1151 d, forexample.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the staple cartridge body1152 can be comprised of plastic and can be formed utilizing aninjection molding process. Thereafter, in various embodiments, thestaple drivers 1168 (FIG. 42) can be assembled into staple cavities 1151and the cutting member 1160 can be positioned within the cartridge body1152 such that the cutting member 1164 is located within housing 1170,as described above. The staple cartridge pan 1154 can then be assembledto the staple cartridge body 1152. In various embodiments, referring nowto FIG. 96, the distal end 1277 of staple cartridge pan 1154 can bealigned with the proximal end 1295 of the staple cartridge body 1152such that the staple cartridge body can be slid within the staplecartridge pan 1154 between opposing walls 1154 a and 1154 b, forexample. The staple cartridge body 1152 and pan 1154 can be slidrelative to one another until pan projections 1276 are positioned withinrecesses 1270 and projections 1274 are positioned within pan recesses1275. At the same time, the lock projections 1288 extending from staplecartridge body 1152 can be received within the lock apertures 1287 instaple cartridge pan 1154 such that pan 1154 can be locked to staplecartridge body 1152. In various embodiments, the sidewalls 1154 a and1154 b of pan 1154 can flex or splay outwardly as they pass over lockprojections 1288 and then elastically return inwardly when lockapertures 1287 are aligned with lock projections 1288. At such point,the arms 1155 extending from pan 1154 can be aligned with and positionedwithin the retention slots 1287 in staple cartridge body 1152. Incertain embodiments, referring now to FIG. 101, the staple cartridge1150 can further comprise a retention member, such as retention member1300, for example, which can be configured to selectively obstruct slot1301 in staple cartridge body 1152, for example. In at least oneembodiment, the retention member 1300 can comprise a pivotable arm 1303which can be rotated between a first position in which it extends acrossslot 1301 (illustrated in solid lines) and a second position in which itis positioned adjacent to slot 1301 (illustrated in phantom lines). Inat least one such embodiment, an integral pivot pin 1302 (FIG. 95) canextend from arm 1303 into an aperture in staple cartridge body 1152which can define an axis about which the arm 1303 can be rotated. Incertain embodiments, the arm 1303 can include a lock member 1304extending therefrom which can be configured to be releasably engagedwith a lock cavity 1305 in staple cartridge body 1152 in order to holdthe arm 1303 in at least one of its first and second positions, forexample. In certain embodiments, the positioning of arm 1303 across slot1301 can prevent, or at least inhibit, the cutting member 1160, forexample, from sliding out of the staple cartridge 1150.

In order to facilitate the insertion and removal of the staple cartridge1150 from staple cartridge channel 1122, in various embodiments, thestaple cartridge 1150 can comprise gripping portions positioned onopposite sides thereof, for example. In at least one embodiment,referring now to FIGS. 97 and 101, the staple cartridge body 1152 cancomprise lateral portions 1285 positioned adjacent to alignment slots1280 wherein the lateral portions 1285 can be gripped and/or pushed onby a clinician in order to seat the proximal end 1213 of staplecartridge 1150 in the proximal end of staple cartridge channel 1122, forexample. Such a force can be applied to top, or tissue-contacting,surfaces of the lateral portions 1285 as the proximal end 1213 of staplecartridge 1150 is rotated into position as described above. In variousembodiments, a lifting force can be applied to lateral portions 1285 inorder to lift the proximal end 1213 of staple cartridge 1150 out of thestaple cartridge channel 1122. In at least one such embodiment,referring primarily to FIG. 101, each lateral portion 1285 can compriseone or more steps, ridges, and/or elevations, such as elevations 1287 a,1287 b, and/or 1287 c, for example, which can be configured to improvethe clinician's grip on the lateral portions 1285. In variousembodiments, the elevations 1287 a, 1287 b, and/or 1287 c can bepositioned at different heights relative to one another. In any event,the staple cartridge 1150 can be removed from channel 1122 by liftingthe proximal end 1213 of staple cartridge 1150 out of channel 1122 andthen unhooking, or disengaging, the distal end 1211 of staple cartridge1150 from the distal end 1121 of channel 1122, for example. As staplecartridge 1150 is removed from the channel 1122, the slot 1161 withincutting member 1160 can be moved away and disengaged from the driveprojection 1294 of pusher bar 1202, for example.

In various circumstances, further to the above, the pusher bar 1202 andcutting member 1160 can be returned to their proximal positions beforethe staple cartridge 1150 is removed from the staple cartridge channel1122. In such a position, as described above, the cutting edge 1165 canbe positioned within the housing 1170. In various embodiments, referringnow to FIG. 102, an alternative embodiment of a staple cartridge 1150′is depicted without a housing 1170. In at least one such embodiment, thecutting edge 1165 can at least partially extend above the deck surface1158 of the staple cartridge body 1152 in its proximal position and/orany other distally-advanced positions, for example.

In various embodiments, further to the above, anvil 1130 can include oneor more apertures, slots, or recesses 1179 (FIG. 50) which can beconfigured to receive at least a portion of housing 1170 when anvil 1130is brought into close opposition to staple cartridge 1150, for example.In at least one embodiment, sufficient clearance can be present betweenhousing 1170 and recess 1179 such that anvil 1130 and staple cartridge1150 can be moved relative to each other without interference, or atleast substantial interference, therebetween. In embodiments having morethan one cutting member housing as outlined above, an opposing anvil canhave more than one corresponding aperture for receiving the housings. Invarious embodiments, an anvil can include a movable cutting member andat least one housing for at least partially covering, enclosing, and/orsurrounding the cutting member. In certain embodiments, although notillustrated, both an anvil and a staple cartridge can comprise at leastone movable cutting member and/or at least one housing configured to atleast partially cover, surround, or enclose the cutting members whenthey are in a proximal position, for example.

As outlined above, pusher bar assembly 1200 can be advanced distally inorder to move staple sled assembly 1160 within staple cartridge assembly1150. In various embodiments, as also outlined above, the wedge-like camsurfaces 1167 of staple sled 1162 can be moved into engagement with thesloped surfaces 1169 on staple drivers 1168 to sequentially, and/orsimultaneously, drive staples from staple cartridge 1150 against anvil1130 and form the staples into any suitable configuration, such asB-shaped configurations, for example. In at least one such embodiment,referring to FIG. 50, anvil 1130 can include one or more staple formingsurfaces, such as staple pockets 1132, for example, which can beconfigured to deform the staples. In certain embodiments, anvil 1130 canfurther include a slot, channel, or groove 1133 which can be configuredto slidably receive at least a portion of staple sled 1162, cuttingmember 1164, and/or pusher bar 1202, for example. In at least oneembodiment, although not illustrated, an anvil can include an anvilplate which can be securely and/or immovably positioned within an anvilchannel defined within the anvil. In various other embodiments, asillustrated in FIGS. 51 and 52 and described in greater detail below,anvil 1130 can include an anvil plate 1134 movably positioned withinanvil channel 1136. In certain embodiments, anvil channel 1136 caninclude opposite side walls 1137 and, in addition, a base 1138 extendingbetween side walls 1137. In at least one embodiment, anvil 1130 canfurther include a distal nose portion 1139, for example, assembledthereto wherein nose portion 1139 can be configured to be press-fitand/or snap-fit into anvil channel 1136, for example, such that noseportion 1139 can be securely retained therein. In certain embodiments,nose portion 1139 can be comprised of a soft and/or pliable material,such as rubber, for example, and can comprise any suitable shape whichcan facilitate the insertion of anvil 1130 into a surgical site, forexample. In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 51, a nose portion, suchas nose portion 1139′ can be retained to an anvil by one or morefasteners 1139 a′. Similarly, referring to FIG. 34, a staple cartridgechannel and/or staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 1150, forexample, can include a nose portion, such as nose portion 1153, forexample, which can facilitate the insertion of staple cartridge 1150into a surgical site, for example

As indicated above, staples can be deployed from a staple cartridge anddeformed against an anvil. In various circumstances, the distancebetween the staple forming surfaces on anvil 1130 and staple sled 1162can determine the amount in which the staples are deformed. For example,if the distance between anvil pockets 1132 on anvil 1130 and topsurfaces 1135 on staple sled 1162 (FIGS. 43-45) is relatively large, thestaples will be deformed a lesser amount as compared to when thedistance between anvil pockets 1132 and sled surfaces 1135 is relativelysmall. Correspondingly, if the distance between anvil pockets 1132 andsled surfaces 1135 is relatively small, the staples will be deformed agreater amount as compared to when the distance between anvil pockets1132 and sled surfaces 1135 is relatively large. Often, the distancebetween anvil pockets 1132 and sled surfaces 1135 is referred to as theforming height of the staples. Sometimes the forming height of thestaples can be measured between the top surface, or deck, of the staplecartridge and the staple forming surfaces on the anvil. For the purposeof this application, however, any reference to a staple forming height,or the like, can include one or both manners of measurement, whereappropriate, and/or any other suitable manner of measurement. In anyevent, as described in greater detail below, a surgical staplinginstrument, such as stapling instrument 1100, for example, can includemeans for adjusting the staple forming height.

In various embodiments, further to the above, an anvil can include oneor more forming surfaces which can be moved toward and/or away from astaple cartridge in order to set the forming height of the staples. Inat least one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 50-56, anvil 1130 caninclude anvil plate 1134 which can be movably and/or slidably positionedwithin anvil channel 1136. In certain embodiments, anvil 1130 canfurther include one or more retention, or guide, pins 1140, whereinanvil plate 1134 can include one or more retention, or guide, slots 1141configured to slidably receive at least a portion of pins 1140. In atleast one such embodiment, pins 1140 and/or slots 1141 can be configuredto define a predetermined path along which anvil plate 1134 can bemoved. Referring to FIG. 51, pins 1140 and slots 1141 can be structuredand arranged such that anvil plate 1134 can be moved along a linear, orat least substantially linear, path, wherein the linear path can be atleast partially defined by axes 1142 and 1143, for example. Otherembodiments are envisioned in which an anvil plate can be moved along anon-linear path, such as a curved and/or curvi-linear path, for example.In certain embodiments, at least a portion of pins 1140 can be retainedwithin apertures 1144 in side walls 1137 wherein, in at least oneembodiment, pins 1140 can be press-fit within apertures 1144. In anyevent, as described herein, pins 1140 can guide anvil plate 1134 as itis moved toward and/or away from staple cartridge 1150, for example.

In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical staplinginstrument, such as stapling instrument 1100, for example, can includeone or more adjustment members configured to position a portion of ananvil, such as anvil plate 1134, for example, relative to other portionsof an anvil assembly and/or an opposing staple cartridge. In certainembodiments, referring to FIGS. 51 and 52, stapling instrument 1100 caninclude anvil plate adjustment member 1230 which can be configured tolimit the range of motion of anvil plate 1134. In at least one suchembodiment, referring to FIGS. 120 and 121, adjusting member 1230 can bepositioned intermediate anvil plate 1134 in a first position in whichfirst surface, or step, 1231 of adjusting member 1230 is positionedintermediate base 1138 of anvil channel 1136 and first positioningsurface 1145 on anvil plate 1134. In such a first position, first step1231 can define the amount of relative movement possible, or permitted,between anvil plate 1134 and anvil channel 1136. For example, when anvil1130 is clamped against tissue as described above, anvil plate 1134 cancontact the tissue and slide upwardly toward base 1138 until firstpositioning surface 1145 contacts first step 1231. Once surface 1145 andstep 1231 are in contact, adjusting member 1230 can prevent, or at leastinhibit, anvil plate 1134 from moving further toward base 1138. In atleast one such embodiment, as a result, adjusting member 1230 can act asa stop such that the distance between base 1138 and tissue-contactingsurface 1148 on anvil plate 1134 can be defined by a first distance1234. While base 1138 is used as a reference datum in the presentexample, other portions of anvil 1130 and/or an opposing staplecartridge, for example, could be used as reference datums. Whenadjusting member 1230 is in its first position, as described above,second surface, or step, 1232 of adjusting member 1230 can be positionedintermediate base 1138 and second positioning surface 1146 on anvilplate 1134, and, in addition, third surface, or step, 1233 can bepositioned intermediate base 1138 and third positioning surface 1147.Referring to FIG. 53, adjustment member 1230 can include two or moresets of steps, 1231, 1232, and/or 1233 and anvil plate 1134 can includetwo or more sets of positioning surfaces 1145, 1146, and/or 1147. Whilefirst step 1231 and first positioning surface 1145 are described aboveas being configured to control the position of anvil plate 1134, thesecond and third steps (1232, 1233) of adjustment member 1230 and thesecond and third positioning surfaces (1146, 1147) of anvil plate 1134,respectively, can also be configured to control the position of anvilplate 1134. For the sake of brevity, though, the present example will bedescribed in reference to the first surface, or step 1231, as being thesurface which controls the position of anvil plate 1134, although thereader will understand that the steps 1232 and 1233 can control theposition of anvil plate 1134 as well.

In certain embodiments, the first position of adjustment member 1230 canprovide for a relatively small, or short, staple forming height. Inother embodiments, although not illustrated, the first position of anadjustment member can provide for an intermediate, a relatively large,and/or any other suitable staple forming height. In the event that theforming height associated with the first position of the adjustmentmember is suitable, a surgeon can proceed to use the surgical staplinginstrument to staple and/or incise tissue as described above. In theevent, however, that the staple forming height is unsuitable, a surgeon,or other clinician, can move adjustment member 1230 such that adjustmentmember 1230 can permit anvil plate 1134 to slide upwardly a differentdistance when anvil plate 1134 contacts tissue positioned intermediateanvil 1130 and staple cartridge 1150. In at least one such circumstance,the distance in which anvil plate 1134 is permitted to slide upwardlycan be larger, thereby providing a larger forming height for thestaples. Correspondingly, in other circumstances, the adjustment membercan be moved such that anvil plate 1134 can slide upwardly a shorterdistance when anvil plate 1134 contacts the tissue, for example, therebyproviding a shorter staple forming height. While the term “upward”, andthe like, can mean vertically upward, the term is not so limited;rather, “upward” can mean any direction which is toward the base of theanvil and/or away from a staple cartridge, for example. In any event,adjustment member 1230 can be moved between its first position,illustrated in FIG. 54, and a second position, illustrated in FIG. 55,in order to increase the staple forming height. As indicated by arrow“P” in FIG. 55, adjustment member 1230 can be slid proximally in orderto move adjustment member 1230 between its first and second positions,although embodiments are envisioned where an adjustment member can beslid distally and/or any other suitable direction in order to adjustadjustment member 1230. Once adjustment member 1230 has been moved intoits second position, referring to FIG. 55, first surface, or step, 1231can be positioned intermediate base 1138 and second positioning surface1146 of anvil plate 1134. In such a second position, first step 1231 canonce again define the amount of relative movement permitted betweenanvil plate 1134 and anvil channel 1136. In at least one embodiment,similar to the above, adjusting member 1230 can act as a stop such thatthe distance between base 1138 and tissue-contacting surface 1148 onanvil plate 1134 can be defined by a second distance 1235.

Further to the above, adjustment member 1230 can be moved between itssecond position, illustrated in FIG. 55, and a third position,illustrated in FIG. 56, in order to once again increase the stapleforming height. As indicated by arrow “P” in FIG. 56, adjustment member1230 can be slid proximally in order to move adjustment member 1230between its second and third positions. Once adjustment member 1230 hasbeen moved into its third position, referring to FIG. 56, first surface,or step, 1231 can be positioned intermediate base 1138 and thirdpositioning surface 1147. In such a third position, first step 1231 canonce again define the amount of relative movement between anvil plate1134 and anvil channel 1136. In at least one embodiment, similar to theabove, adjusting member 1230 can act as a stop such that the distancebetween base 1138 and tissue-contacting surface 1148 on anvil plate 1134can be defined by a third distance 1236. While adjustment member 1230can be selectively moved between three positions as described above toprovide three different staple forming heights, other embodiments areenvisioned which comprise an adjustment member which can be movedbetween more than three positions to provide more than three differentstaple forming heights. For example, an adjustment member can be movablebetween four positions in order to provide four staple forming heights.Further embodiments are envisioned which comprise an adjustment memberwhich can be moved between two positions to provide two staple formingheights. Furthermore, while surfaces, or steps, 1231, 1232, and 1233 ofadjustment member 1230 are arranged in a descending order, otherarrangements are envisioned in which the surfaces, or steps, arearranged in an ascending order. Other arrangements are envisioned inwhich the surfaces, or steps, are not necessarily arranged in either anascending or a descending order. Similarly, positioning surfaces 1145,1146, and 1147 of anvil plate 1134 can be arranged in an ascendingorder, a descending order (FIG. 53), and/or any other suitable order.Furthermore, while adjustment member 1230 can be slid along an axis,other embodiments are envisioned where an adjustment member can be movedalong any suitable path such as curved and/or curvi-linear paths, forexample.

As described above, referring to FIG. 54, adjustment member 1230 cancomprise three surfaces, or steps, 1231, 1232, and 1233 while anvilplate 1134 can comprise three corresponding adjustment surfaces 1145,1146, and 1147. When adjustment member 1230 is in its first position,for example, first surface 1231 can be positioned such that it abuts oris adjacent to first adjustment surface 1145, second surface 1232 can bepositioned such that it abuts or is adjacent to second adjustmentsurface 1146, and third surface 1233 can be positioned such that itabuts or is adjacent to third adjustment surface 1147. As adjustmentmember 1230 is slid relative to anvil plate 1134, as described above andreferring to FIGS. 55 and 56, surfaces 1231, 1232, and 1233 ofadjustment member 1230 can be sequentially indexed relative to surfaces1145, 1146, and 1147 of anvil plate 1134. In at least one suchembodiment, an adjustment member can have the same number of steps asthe number of positioning surfaces on an anvil plate. Other embodimentsare envisioned where an adjustment member has more steps thanpositioning surfaces on the anvil plate. In at least one suchembodiment, an anvil plate can include one positioning surface whereinthe steps of an adjustment member can be selectively utilized to limitthe upward movement of the anvil plate, for example. In variousembodiments, referring generally to adjustment member 1230 and anvilplate 1134, an anvil plate may include one positioning surface, such aspositioning surface 1145, for example, where steps 1231, 1232, and 1233of adjustment member 1230, for example, can be selectively positionedintermediate base 1138 and positioning surface 1145. In suchembodiments, first step 1231 can have a first thickness or height whichcan stop, or limit, the upward movement of anvil plate 1134 so as todefine a first staple forming height, second step 1232 can have a secondthickness or height which can stop, or limit, the upward movement ofanvil plate 1134 so as to define a second staple forming height, and, inaddition, third step 1233 can have a third thickness or height which canstop, or limit, the upward movement of anvil plate 1134 so as to definea third staple forming height. In at least one embodiment, the thicknessor height of steps 1231, 1232, and/or 1233 can be measured between aback surface 1237 of adjustment member 1230 and a surface on the steps(1231, 1232, 1233) which will contact anvil plate 1134. In variousembodiments, the difference in height, or thickness, between first step1231 and second step 1232 can be the same, or at least substantially thesame, as the difference in height, or thickness, between second step1232 and third step 1233. In at least one such embodiment, as a result,the step heights can increase at a linear rate, or an at leastsubstantially linear rate. In alternative embodiments, the difference inheight, or thickness, between the first and second steps can bedifferent than the difference in height, or thickness, between thesecond and the third steps. In at least one such embodiment, the first,second, and third steps may not increase or decrease in height, orthickness, at a linear rate; rather, although not illustrated, the stepsmay increase or decrease in height, or thickness, in a non-linear and/orgeometric rate.

As described above, an adjustment member, such as adjustment member1230, for example, can be movable between two or more positions. Invarious embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include anactuator configured to move the adjustment member. In at least oneembodiment, referring to FIGS. 50-53, surgical stapling instrument 1100can include actuator 1250 which can be operably attached to adjustmentmember 1230 such that a force can be applied to actuator 1250 andtransmitted to adjustment member 1230. In certain embodiments, actuator1250 can include grasping portions, or handles, 1252 which can beconfigured to be grasped by a surgeon, for example, in order to advanceor retract adjustment member 1230 within anvil 1130 as described above.In certain embodiments, grasping portions 1252 can extend from actuatorbody 1251, wherein actuator body 1251 can include one or more apertures,slots, or cavities 1253 which can be configured to receive at least aportion of adjustment member 1230. In at least one such embodiment,referring to FIG. 52, adjustment member 1230 can include lock 1254extending therefrom, wherein at least a portion of lock 1254 can bereceived within aperture 1253 so as to retain actuator body 1251 toadjustment member 1230. In various embodiments, lock 1254 can includeone or more resilient, or flexible, legs 1255 which can be deflectedwhen they are inserted into aperture 1253 but resiliently return, or atleast partially return, to their unflexed position after feet 1256 oflegs 1255 are sufficiently pushed through aperture 1253. In at least onesuch embodiment, feet 1256 can prevent, or at least inhibit, actuatorbody 1251 from being detached from adjustment member 1230.

In various embodiments, further to the above, surgical staplinginstrument 1100 can further include a detent mechanism which can beconfigured to hold, or releasably hold, actuator 1250 and/or adjustmentmember 1230 in position. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIG.52, detent member 1260 can be attached to actuator 1250 wherein, in atleast some embodiments, actuator body 1251 can include one or morechannels, grooves, or recesses 1257 which can be configured to receiveand/or retain a detent body 1261 of detent member 1260 therein. In atleast one embodiment, detent body 1261 can include one or more apertures1263, and/or any other suitable channels, slots, or grooves, which canbe configured to receive one or more fasteners for securing detent body1261 to actuator 1251, for example. Detent member 1260 can furtherinclude detent legs 1262 which can be configured to engage one or morerecesses, apertures, or grooves 1101 (FIGS. 35-40) in first frameportion 1110, for example. More particularly, referring to FIGS. 34 and35, each side flange 1128 can include one or more recesses 1101 (1101 a,1101 b, and 1101 c) defined therein wherein detent legs 1262 can bebiased into engagement with the top surfaces of side flanges 1128 suchthat detent legs 1262 can be slid into, and slid out of, recesses 1101.In the illustrated embodiment, each side flange can include threerecesses 1101 which can be configured to removably hold actuator 1250 ina first, distal position, a second, intermediate position, and a third,proximal position, wherein the first, second, and third positions ofactuator 1250 can respectively correspond with the first, second, andthird positions of adjustment member 1230 described above. For example,when actuator 1250 is in its first, distal position, detent legs 1262 ofdetent member 1260 can be positioned within recess 1101 a so as toremovably retain actuator 1250 and adjustment member 1230 in their firstpositions. Upon the application of a sufficient force, actuator 1250 canbe moved proximally into its second position such that detent legs 1162are positioned within recess 1101 b and actuator 1250 and adjustmentmember 1230 are retained in their second positions. Similarly, upon theapplication of a sufficient force, actuator 1250 can be moved proximallyinto its third position such that detent legs 1162 are positioned withinrecess 1101 c and actuator 1250 and adjustment member 1230 are retainedin their third positions. In various embodiments, detent legs 1162 canbe configured such that actuator 1250 can be returned to its firstand/or second positions.

As described above, adjustment member 1230 can be moved along apre-determined path between two or more positions by actuator 1250. Invarious embodiments, surgical stapling instrument 1100, for example, caninclude one or more guides for controlling or limiting the movement ofadjustment member 1230 and/or actuator 1250. In some embodiments,adjustment member 1230 can be closely received between side walls 1137of anvil 1130 such that side walls 1137 can guide adjustment member1230. In at least one such embodiment, side walls 1137 can be configuredto control or limit the lateral or side-to-side movement of adjustmentmember 1230. In various embodiments, detent legs 1162 of detent member1160 can comprise resilient members which can be configured to apply anupward biasing or pulling force on adjustment member 1230 so as toposition adjustment member 1230 against, or at least adjacent to, base1138 and intermediate side walls 1137. In certain embodiments, referringto FIG. 52, base 138 of anvil 1130 can further include guide slot 1149which can be configured to receive at least a portion of adjustmentmember 1230 and/or actuator 1250 therein such that guide slot 1149 canlimit the movement of adjustment member 1230 and actuator 1250. In atleast one such embodiment, lock 1254 of adjustment member 1230 can beconfigured to extend through guide slot 1149 such that, when lock 1254is inserted into aperture 1253 of actuator 1250 as described above, base1138 of anvil 1130 can be captured intermediate adjustment member 1230and actuator 1250. In certain embodiments, guide slot 1149 can beconfigured to limit the movement of lock 1254 such that adjustmentmember 1230 can be prevented, or at least inhibited, from being moveddistally when adjustment member 1230 is in its first, or distal-most,position and/or, similarly, prevented, or at least inhibited, from beingmoved proximally when adjustment member 1230 is in its third, orproximal-most, position.

In various embodiments, further to the above, a detent member, similarto detent member 1260, for example, can be utilized to bias first handleportion 1102 and second handle portion 1104 away from one another. In atleast one embodiment, referring to FIG. 70, surgical stapling instrument1100′ can include a detent member 1260′ configured to position firsthandle portion 1102 and second handle portion 1104 such that a gapexists between anvil 1130 and staple cartridge 1150. Such a feature, asoutlined above, can allow a surgeon to easily manipulate the surgicalinstrument without having to hold the first and second handle portionsapart from one another. In certain embodiments, detent member 1260′ canbe sufficiently mounted to second handle portion 1104 such that detentlegs 1262′ extending from detent member 1260′ can contact flanges 1128and, when compressed, apply a biasing force to the first and secondhandle portions. As seen in FIG. 70, legs 1262′ can contact surfaces1101 d on flanges 1128. In order to compress detent legs 1262′, latchmechanism 1180 can be moved into a partially-closed position such thatlatch arms 1188 can engage, and at least partially surround, latchprojections 1131. In this configuration, a surgeon can manipulate theinstrument and, when satisfied with its position, move latch mechanism1180 into a closed position and further compress detent legs 1262′.Similar to the above, detent member 1260′ can be affixed, or otherwiseoperably engaged with, actuator 1250 such that, when actuator 1250 ismoved between its first, second, and third positions as described above,legs 1262′ can engage recesses 1101 a, 1101 b, and 1101 c, respectively.In at least one such embodiment, as a result, actuator 1250 can have apre-staged position in which actuator 1250 is positioned distally withrespect to its first position and, in addition, surfaces 1101 d cancomprise pre-stage surfaces against which legs 1262′ can be positionedwhen actuator 1250 is in its pre-staged position.

As outlined above, an adjustment member can be slid, or translated,between first and second positions so as to adjust the forming height ofstaples deployed by a surgical stapling instrument. In variousembodiments, although not illustrated, an adjustment member can beconfigured to positively displace an anvil plate toward and/or away froman opposing staple cartridge, for example. In at least one suchembodiment, a surgical stapling instrument can include one or morebiasing members, such as springs, for example, configured to positionthe anvil plate against the adjustment member such that, when theadjustment member is moved between its first and second positions, theadjustment member can displace the anvil plate between first and secondpositions in order to set first and second staple forming heights. Invarious embodiments, as a result of the above, an adjustment member canbe configured to cam a portion of an anvil into position. In at leastone such embodiment, an adjustment member can be slid along an axis inorder to positively displace an anvil plate. In other embodiments, arotatable adjustment member can be configured to positively displace ananvil plate toward and/or away from a staple cartridge, for example.

Further to the above, as described in greater detail below, anadjustment member can be rotated to adjust the staple forming height.Referring to FIGS. 57-69, surgical instrument 1100′ can include, similarto the above, a first handle portion 1102′, a second handle portion1104′, and a latching mechanism 1180′ which can be utilized to clamptissue intermediate anvil 1130′ and staple cartridge 1150′. Referring toFIG. 58, also similar to the above, latching mechanism 1180′ can bepivotably coupled to first portion 1102′ by one or more pivot pins1182′, wherein latching mechanism 1180′ can include one or more latcharms 1188′ which can be configured to engage second portion 1104′ andlatch the first and second handle portions together. Also similar to theabove, referring to FIGS. 58 and 60, surgical instrument 1100′ canfurther include pusher bar assembly 1200′ which can be configured toadvance a cutting member and/or staple sled within end-effector 1120′.In at least one such embodiment, pusher bar assembly 1200′ can include aproximal end 1203′ and an actuator 1204′, wherein actuator 1204′ can berotatably mounted to proximal end 1203′ and selectively positioned onfirst and second sides of stapling instrument 1100′. In variousembodiments, surgical stapling instrument 1100′ can comprise the same,or similar, features to those described in connection with surgicalstapling instrument 1100 and can be operated in the same manner, or asimilar manner, as instrument 1100 and, as a result, such details arenot repeated herein.

In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 60, surgical instrument 1100′can include a rotatable adjustment member 1230′ which can be selectivelypositioned in at least first and second positions so as to providedifferent staple forming heights. In certain embodiments, surgicalinstrument 1100′ can include an actuator 1250′ which can be operablyconnected to adjustment member 1230′ such that actuator 1250′ can moveadjustment member 1230′ between at least its first and second positions.In at least one embodiment, referring to FIG. 61, actuator 1250′ caninclude actuator body 1251′ and grasping portion, or handle, 1252′.Actuator body 1251′ can include an aperture 1258′ which can beconfigured to receive a proximal end 1238′ of adjustment member 1230′such that rotational motion, torque, and/or forces can be transmittedbetween actuator 1250′ and adjustment member 1230′. In at least one suchembodiment, referring to FIG. 69, aperture 1258′ can comprise anon-circular profile and/or a profile which includes one or more flatdrive surfaces configured to transmit rotational motion between actuatorbody 1251′ and actuator 1230′. In certain embodiments, aperture 1258′can be sized and configured to closely receive proximal end 1238′ ofactuator 1230′. In at least one embodiment, aperture 1258′ can beconfigured to receive proximal end 1238′ in a press-fit and/or snap-fitarrangement. In various embodiments, referring again to FIG. 61, handleportion 1104′ can include one or more slots 1259′ which can beconfigured to permit at least a portion of actuator body 1251′ to extendtherethrough such that grasping portion 1252′ can be assembled toactuator body 1251′ with at least a portion of handle portion 1104′positioned therebetween. In at least one such embodiment, second handleportion 1104′ can further include recess 1253′ which can be configuredsuch that at least a portion, if not all, of grasping portion 1252′ ispositioned within recess 1253′. In certain embodiments, recess 1253′ canbe configured such that grasping portion 1252′ does not extend above thetop surface of second handle portion 1104′ although, in otherembodiments, an upper portion of grasping portion 1252′ can extend abovesecond handle portion 1104, as illustrated in FIG. 63, such thatgrasping portion 1252′ can be easily accessed by a surgeon.

In various embodiments, as outlined above, an adjustment member can berotatable between at least first and second positions in order to adjustthe forming height of staples deployed by a surgical stapler. In certainembodiments, referring to FIG. 61, a surgical stapling instrument caninclude an adjustment member rotatably positioned within an anvilwherein the adjustment member can be configured to limit the relativemovement of a movable anvil portion. In at least one such embodiment,surgical stapling instrument 1100′ can include an anvil plate 1134′which can be slidably retained within anvil channel 1136′ by retention,or guide, pins 1140′, wherein guide pins 1140′ can be configured toallow anvil plate 1134′ to slide upwardly when anvil plate 1134′ comesinto contact with tissue as described above. Referring to FIGS. 60, 63,and 64, adjustment member 1230′ can be positionable in a first position,or orientation, such that it can limit the upward movement of anvilplate 1134′ within anvil channel 1136′ and dictate the staple formingheight of the staples. In at least one such embodiment, referring toFIGS. 63 and 64, adjustment member 1230′ can include opposing firstsurfaces 1231′ which can be positioned intermediate base 1138′ of anvilchannel 1136′ and positioning surface 1145′ of anvil plate 1134′ suchthat, when positioning surface 1145′ contacts one of first surfaces1231′, tissue-contacting surface 1148′ of anvil plate 1134′ can bepositioned a first distance 1234′ away from a datum surface 1129′ onanvil 1130′, for example. Correspondingly, forming surfaces 1132′ can bepositioned a first distance away from a staple cartridge such that, whenstaples are deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples can bedeformed to a first staple height. Further to the above, a firstdiameter 1241′ can be defined between first surfaces 1231′ wherein thefirst diameter 1241′ can define the maximum upward position of anvilplate 1134′ within anvil channel 1136′.

As indicated above, adjustment member 1230′ can be rotated in order toadjust the forming height of the staples. In various embodiments,adjustment member 1230′ can be rotated between its first position, ororientation, (FIGS. 63 and 64) and a second position, or orientation(FIGS. 65 and 66). In at least one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 65 and66, handle 1252′ can be rotated in a direction indicated by arrow “A” inorder to move adjustment member 1230′ between its first and secondpositions. Similar to the above, when actuator 1230′ is in its secondposition, or orientation, actuator 1230′ can limit the upward movementof anvil plate 1134′ within anvil channel 1136′ and dictate the stapleforming height of the staples. In at least one such embodiment,referring to FIGS. 65 and 66, adjustment member 1230′ can includeopposing second surfaces 1232′ which can be positioned intermediate base1138′ and positioning surface 1145′ such that, when positioning surface1145′ contacts one of second surfaces 1232′, tissue-contacting surface1148′ of anvil plate 1134′ can be positioned a second distance 1235′away from datum surface 1129′, for example. Correspondingly, formingsurfaces 1132′ can be positioned a second distance away from a staplecartridge such that, when staples are deployed from the staplecartridge, the staples can be deformed to a second staple height. Invarious embodiments, similar to the above, a second diameter 1242′ canbe defined between second surfaces 1232′, wherein second diameter 1242′can define the maximum upward position of anvil plate 1134′ within anvilchannel 1136′. Although first surfaces 1231′ and second surfaces 1232′can be defined by flat, or at least substantially flat, surfaces, otherembodiments are envisioned in which the first and second surfaces 1231′and 1232′ can include at least partially arcuate, or curved, contours.In any event, referring to FIG. 60, adjustment member 1230′ may includeone or more clearance slots 1240′ which can be configured to provideclearance between actuator 1230′ and retention pins 1140′. Clearanceslots 1240′ can be configured to provide clearance between actuator1230′ and retention pins 1140′ when actuator 1230′ is in its firstposition, second position, and/or any other suitable position.

In various embodiments, further to the above, adjustment member 1230′can be rotated between its first position, or orientation, (FIGS. 63 and64) and a third position, or orientation (FIGS. 67 and 68). In at leastone embodiment, referring to FIGS. 67 and 68, handle 1252′ can berotated in a direction indicated by arrow “B” in order to moveadjustment member 1230′ between its first and third positions. Similarto the above, when actuator 1230′ is in its third position, ororientation, actuator 1230′ can limit the upward movement of anvil plate1134′ within anvil channel 1136′ and dictate the staple forming heightof the staples. In at least one such embodiment, referring to FIGS. 67and 68, adjustment member 1230′ can include opposing third surfaces1233′ which can be positioned intermediate base 1138′ and positioningsurface 1145′ such that, when positioning surface 1145′ contacts one ofthird surfaces 1233′, tissue-contacting surface 1148′ of anvil plate1134′ can be positioned a third distance 1236′ away from datum surface1129′, for example. Correspondingly, forming surfaces 1132′ can bepositioned a third distance away from a staple cartridge such that, whenstaples are deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples can bedeformed to a third staple height. In various embodiments, similar tothe above, a third diameter 1243′ can be defined between third surfaces1233′, wherein third diameter 1243′ can define the maximum upwardposition of anvil plate 1134′ within anvil channel 1136′. Referring onceagain to FIGS. 67 and 68, third surfaces 1233′ can be defined by an atleast partially arcuate contour, although other embodiments areenvisioned in which third surfaces 1233′ can include flat, or at leastsubstantially flat, contours. In at least one embodiment, adjustmentmember 1230′ can be configured such that the largest distance, ordiameter, between the arcuate third surfaces 1233′ can be utilized todefine the third staple height.

As described above, referring to FIGS. 63 and 64, adjustment member1230′ can be positioned in a first position, or orientation, to set afirst forming height for the staples deployed by surgical staplinginstrument 1100′. As also described above, referring to FIGS. 65 and 66,actuator 1250′ can be utilized to move adjustment member 1230′ into itssecond position, or orientation, to set a second forming height for thestaples. To do this, in at least one embodiment, a force can be appliedto handle 1252′ which can cause handle 1252′, and adjustment member1230′ attached thereto, to rotate in a direction indicated by arrow “A”.In at least one embodiment, adjustment member 1230′ and/or actuator1250′ can be sufficiently retained such that, when adjustment member1230′ is rotated, adjustment member 1230′ can be rotated about an axis,such as axis 1245′ (FIG. 60), for example. In at least one embodiment,referring to FIG. 58, the proximal end 1203′ of pusher bar assembly1200′ can include one or more grooves, channels, or recesses 1205′ whichcan be configured to receive and/or retain at least a portion ofadjustment member 1230′ and/or actuator 1250′ therein. In any event, asillustrated in FIGS. 63-66, the second position, or orientation, ofadjustment member 1230′ can allow anvil plate 1134′ to slide a largerdistance within anvil channel 1136′ as compared to when adjustmentmember 1230′ is in its first position. In at least one embodiment, as aresult, the second staple forming height can be larger than the firststaple forming height. As also described above, referring to FIGS. 67and 68, actuator 1250′ can be utilized to move adjustment member 1230′into its third position, or orientation, to set a third forming heightfor the staples. To do this, in at least one embodiment, a force can beapplied to handle 1252′ which can cause handle 1252′, and adjustmentmember 1230′ attached thereto, to rotate in a direction indicated byarrow “B”. As illustrated in FIGS. 63, 64, 67, and 68, the thirdposition, or orientation, of adjustment member 1230′ can allow anvilplate 1134′ to slide a smaller distance within anvil channel 1136′ ascompared to when adjustment member 1230′ is in its first position. In atleast one embodiment, as a result, the first and second staple formingheights can be larger than the third staple forming height. In at leastone such embodiment, the first position of adjustment member 1230′, andactuator 1250′, can represent an intermediate position, whereinadjustment member 1230′ can be selectively moved into its second andthird positions directly from its first position. In effect, the firstposition of adjustment member 1230′ can represent an intermediate stapleheight, wherein the second and third staple positions of adjustmentmember 1230′ can represent taller and shorter staple heights,respectively. In certain embodiments, referring to FIG. 57, surgicalstapling instrument 1100′ can include one or more indicia thereon whichcan be configured to convey the staple forming heights, or at leastrelative forming heights, that can be selected. For example, secondhandle portion 1104′ can include a first indicium 1245′ which canindicate an intermediate, or first, staple height, a second indicium1246′ which can indicate a taller, or second, staple height, and, inaddition, a third indicium 1247′ which can indicate a shorter, or third,staple height.

In various embodiments, further to the above, one or more of firstsurfaces 1231′, second surfaces 1232′, and third surfaces 1233′ cancomprise or define, or at least partially comprise or define, aperimeter, or circumference, of adjustment member 1230′. As discussedabove, owing to the first, second, and third diameters (1241′, 1242′,and 1243′) defined by the first, second, and third surfaces (1231′,1232′, and 1233′), respectively, the perimeter, or circumference, ofadjustment member 1230′ may be non-circular. In certain embodiments,though, the perimeter, or circumference of adjustment member 1230′, maybe symmetrical, substantially symmetrical, and/or non-symmetrical. Invarious embodiments, further to the above, an adjustment member cancomprise a cam rotatably positioned intermediate base 1138′ of anvil1130′ and adjustment surface 1145′ of anvil plate 1134′, for example. Inat least one such embodiment, one or more of first surfaces 1231′,second surfaces 1232′, and third surfaces 1233′, for example, cancomprise or define a cam profile which, similar to the above, can beconfigured to either positively position anvil plate 1134′ and/orprovide a stop against which anvil plate 1134′ can be positioned. In anyevent, although not illustrated, various embodiments are envisioned inwhich an adjustment member can be slid and rotated in order to set twoor more staple forming heights for staples deployed by a surgicalstapling instrument. In at least one such embodiment, an adjustmentmember can comprise a cam profile which can be defined along the lengthof the adjustment member wherein longitudinal and/or rotational movementcan be utilized to move the cam profile between at least first andsecond positions.

In various embodiments, similar to the above, surgical instrument 1100′can further include a detent mechanism configured to hold, or at leastreleasably hold, actuator 1250′ in position. In at least one embodiment,referring to FIGS. 58 and 59, surgical instrument 1100′ can furtherinclude detent member 1260′ comprising detent body 1261′ and one or moredetent legs 1262′. Referring to FIG. 59, detent body 1261′ can includeone or more grooves, recesses, or channels 1263′ which can be configuredto receive at least a portion of proximal end 1105′ of second handleportion 1104′ therein such that detent member 1260′ can be retained inposition. In at least one such embodiment, proximal end 1105′ canfurther include one or more grooves, channels, or recesses 1265′ whichcan be configured to closely receive detent member 1260′. In certainembodiments, at least a portion of detent body 1261′, such as channel1263′, for example, can be press-fit, snap-fit, and/or otherwisesuitably retained in recess 1265′. As also illustrated in FIG. 59, eachdetent leg 1262′ of detent member 1260′ can include one or moreprojections 1264′ extending therefrom which can be configured to engageactuator body 1251′ and releasably hold actuator 1250′ in position. Inat least one embodiment, referring to FIG. 69, actuator body 1251′ caninclude one or more recesses, or holes, 1269′ which can be configured toreceive a projection 1264′. When a projection 1264′ is positioned withinrecess 1269′, the projection can be configured to hold actuator 1250′ inits first position, for example, until a sufficient force is applied toactuator 1250′ so as to cause the projection 1264′ to be displaced outof recess 1269′. More particularly, the force applied to actuator 1250′can be transmitted to the projection 1264′ and, owing to cooperatingsurfaces between the projection 1264′ and recess 1269′, the detent leg1262′ associated with the projection 1264′ can be flexed or movedproximally to allow actuator body 1251′ to be moved relative thereto. Inorder to accommodate such proximal movement, referring to FIG. 58,recess 1265′ can include elongate portions 1266′ which can each beconfigured to receive at least a portion of legs 1262′ such that legs1262′ can move relative to handle portion 1104′. As actuator 1250′ ismoved into either its second or third position, actuator body 1251′ cancontact a projection 1264′ extending from another leg 1262′ and deflectthe leg 1262′ proximally such that, once actuator 1250′ is in its secondor third positions, the leg 1262′ can spring forward, or distally, suchthat the projection 1264′ can be secured within recess 1269′. In atleast one embodiment, further to the above, the interaction betweenprojections 1264′ and the sidewalls of recess 1269′ can be such thatactuator 1250′ can be securely held in one of its first, second, andthird positions, for example, yet permit actuator 1250′ to be moved upona sufficient application of force. In such embodiments, the detentmember 1260′ can prevent, or at least inhibit, actuator 1250′ and,correspondingly, adjustment member 1230′ from being unintentionallydisplaced.

As discussed above and as shown in FIG. 35, each side flange 1128 offirst handle portion 1102 can include a notch, or recess, 1127, forexample, which can be configured to receive one or more latchprojections 1131, for example, extending from anvil 1130, and/or anyother suitable portion of second handle portion 1104. As also discussedabove, referring primarily to FIGS. 35 and 36, first handle portion 1102can further include latching mechanism 1180 rotatably mounted theretowhich can be utilized to engage latch projections 1131 extending fromsecond handle portion 1104 and secure the first and second handleportions 1102, 1104 together. Latching mechanism 1180 can include one ormore latch arms 1188 extending therefrom which can be configured toengage latch projections 1131 and pull and/or secure projections 1131within recesses 1127 as illustrated in FIG. 40. Referring to FIG. 39, atleast one of latch arms 1188 can include a distal hook 1189 which can beconfigured to wrap around at least a portion of projections 1131 so asto encompass or surround, or at least partially encompass or surround,projections 1131. In at least one embodiment, latch arms 1188 can act asan over-center latch to maintain latching mechanism 1180 in its latched,or closed, position.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIG. 71, each projection 1131can comprise a slot, or groove, 1190 positioned intermediate sidewall1191 and an enlarged end, or head, 1192 of projection 1131, wherein theslot 1190 can be configured to receive at least a portion of latch arm1188. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the slot 1190 canhave a width which is greater than the width of the latch arm 1188 suchthat, when the latch arm 1188 is engaged with the projection 1131, thelatch arm 1188 can enter into slot 1190. In some circumstances, thewidth of each slot 1190 may be slightly larger than the width of a latcharm 1188 such that the latch arm is closely received within the slot1190. In various circumstances, the slot 1190, the sidewall 1191, andthe head 1192 of projection 1131 can be sized and configured so as toprevent, or at least limit, relative lateral movement, i.e., movementaway from or to the sides of anvil 1130, between latch arm 1188 andprojection 1131. Further to the above, however, the latch arms 1188 canslide longitudinally within the grooves 1190 as the latch arms 1188 movethe projections 1131 into the recesses 1127 in first portion 1102. Owingto such relative sliding movement between latch arms 1188 andprojections 1131, frictional forces can be generated therebetween whichcan resist the movement of latch arms 1188. In various circumstances,the magnitude of such frictional forces can be significant when thenormal, or perpendicular, contact forces between the latch arms 1188 andthe sidewalls of groove 1190 are large. In many circumstances, as aresult, the operator of the surgical instrument has to overcome thesefrictional forces when actuating clamping mechanism 1180.

In various alternative embodiments, referring now to FIGS. 72 and 73, asurgical instrument can comprise one or more latch projections having arotatable bearing which can reduce the magnitude of the friction forcesbetween the latch arms of a latching mechanism and the latchprojections. In at least one embodiment, an anvil 1330, which can besubstantially similar to anvil 1130 in many respects, can comprise alatch projection 1331 extending from each side thereof, wherein eachlatch projection 1331 can comprise a rotatable bearing 1393. In use, thelatch arms 1188 of latching mechanism 1180, for example, can contact therotatable bearings 1393 in order to position the latch projections 1331in recesses 1127. In various circumstances, the latch arms 1188 canslide across the surface, or outer diameter, of bearings 1393; however,as bearings 1393 can rotate relative to the latch arms 1188, themagnitude of the frictional forces between the latch arms 1188 andprojections 1331 can be lower than the magnitude of the frictionalforces between latch arms 1188 and projections 1131. Owing to such lowerfrictional forces, a lower closing, or clamping, force may be requiredto actuate clamping mechanism 1180, for example.

In various embodiments, referring primarily to FIG. 74, each rotatablebearing 1393 can comprise a circular, or round, outer diameter 1394 and,in addition, a circular, or round, bearing aperture 1395 extendingtherethrough. In certain embodiments, each projection 1331 can furthercomprise a shaft portion 1396 extending from sidewall 1391 and anenlarged end, or head, 1392 extending from shaft portion 1396, wherein,as illustrated in FIG. 64, the shaft portion 1396 can extend through thebearing aperture 1395 of rotatable bearing 1393. In various embodiments,the shaft portion 1396 can comprise a circular, or round, outer diameterwhich can be closely received within bearing aperture 1395 such thatthere is little, if any, relative radial movement therebetween. Thediameter of the bearing aperture 1395, however, may be sufficientlylarger than the outer diameter of shaft portion 1396 such that bearing1393 can rotate relative to shaft portion 1396 about an axis 1399. Invarious embodiments, the rotatable bearing 1393 can be retained on shaftportion 1396 by the enlarged head 1392. More particularly, in at leastone embodiment, the enlarged head 1392 may be larger than, or define alarger diameter than, the diameter of bearing aperture 1395 such thatrotatable bearing 1393 cannot slide off the end of shaft portion 1396.In certain embodiments, the sidewall 1391 and the head 1392 can define agap distance therebetween and, in addition, the bearing 1393 cancomprise a width, wherein the gap distance can be larger than the widthof bearing 1393. In at least one embodiment, the gap distance may beslightly larger than the width of bearing 1393 such that bearing 1393does not tilt, or at least substantially tilt, relative to axis 1399,for example.

As discussed above, the latch arms 1188 of latching mechanism 1180 canbe configured to engage bearings 1393 and position bearings 1393 withinrecesses 1127. In various alternative embodiments, referring primarilyto FIG. 73, a surgical instrument can comprise a latching mechanism 1380which can comprise first and second latch arms 1388 extending therefromon opposite sides of anvil 1331 and staple cartridge channel 1324. Inuse, similar to the above, the latch arms 1388 can contact bearings 1393in order to move bearings 1393 into recesses 1327 in staple cartridgechannel 1324 and move anvil 1331 toward staple cartridge channel 1324.Such movement is illustrated with phantom lines in FIG. 74. In variousembodiments, each latch arm 1388 can at least partially define a groove,or slot, 1397 therein, wherein each slot 1397 can be configured toreceive a bearing 1393. In at least one embodiment, a slot 1397 cancomprise a first drive surface, or sidewall, 1398 a which can bepositioned against bearing 1393 and, as a closing force is applied tolatching mechanism 1380, the latch arm 1388 can apply a closing force tothe bearing 1393. In such circumstances, the bearing 1393 can movefurther into slot 1397 as latching mechanism 1380 is rotated into itsclosed position. In various circumstances, the slot 1397 can furthercomprise a second drive surface, or sidewall, 1398 b which can bepositioned against another and/or opposite side of bearing 1393 suchthat an opening force can be applied to the bearing 1393 via latch arm1388. As the latching mechanism 1380 is moved into its open position,the bearing 1393 can move out of slot 1397. In any event, the firstdrive surface 1398 a and the second drive surface 1398 b can define aslot width therebetween which can be larger than the outside diameter ofbearing 1393 such that bearing 1393 can move within slot 1397. In someembodiments, the slot width may be slightly larger than the outsidediameter of bearing 1393. In at least one embodiment, at least portionsof the first drive surface 1398 a and the second drive surface 1398 bcan be parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to one another. Inat least one such embodiment, at least portions of the first drivesurface 1398 a can be positioned opposite the second drive surface 1398b.

As described above, a surgical stapling instrument can be configured todeform one or more surgical staples between a first, undeployed,configuration and a second, deployed, configuration. In variousembodiments, referring now to FIG. 72, a surgical staple, such as staple1400, for example, can comprise a base 1402, a first leg, or deformablemember, 1404 extending from base 1402, and, in addition, a second leg,or deformable member, 1406 extending from base 1402. In certainembodiments, the base 1402, the first leg 1404, and the second leg 1406can be comprised of a continuous wire, wherein, in at least oneembodiment, the first leg 1404 and the second leg 1406 can each be bentin a direction which is perpendicular to the base 1402 prior to staple1400 being inserted into and deformed by a surgical stapler. Moreparticularly, the staple 1400 can be manufactured such that base 1402 isoriented along a baseline 1401 and such that the legs 1404 and 1406 areoriented along lines 1409 and 1411, respectively, which areperpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the baseline1401. In various embodiments, the first leg 1404 can be positioned at afirst end of base 1402 and the second end 1406 can be positioned at asecond end of base 1402, wherein, in at least one embodiment, a mid-line1403 can be defined which extends through a midpoint of base 1402 andwhich extends in a direction which is perpendicular to baseline 1401.The staple 1400 can be configured such that the base 1402, first leg1404, and second leg 1406 lie, or at least substantially lie, in thesame, or common, plane when the staple 1400 is in its first, orundeployed, configuration. In such embodiments, the baseline 1401, alongwhich the base 1402 is oriented, and the perpendicular lines 1409 and1411, along which the legs 1404 and 1406 are oriented, can lie in thesame plane.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the continuous wirecomprising the base 1402, the first leg 1404, and the second leg 1406can be comprised of titanium and/or stainless steel, for example. In atleast one embodiment, the first leg 1404 can comprise a first end 1405and the second leg 1406 can comprise a second end 1407, wherein the ends1405 and 1407 can each comprise a sharp, or chisel, tip which can beconfigured to puncture bone and/or tissue. In use, the staple 1400 canbe deformed by a surgical stapler in order to capture tissue, forexample, within the staple 1400. In various embodiments, the staple 1400can be deployed from a staple cartridge such that the ends 1405 and 1407of staple legs 1404 and 1406, respectively, contact an anvil positionedopposite the staple 1400. In such circumstances, a first compressiveforce F1 can be applied to the first leg 1404 and a second compressiveforce F2 can be applied to the second leg 1406 while the base 1402 issupported by at least a portion of the staple cartridge. As described ingreater detail below, the anvil can comprise a staple pocket which canapply the first compressive force F1 to the first leg 1404 such that theend 1405 of staple leg 1404 is moved toward the base 1402. Similarly,the staple pocket can apply the second compressive force F2 to thesecond staple leg 1406 such that the end 1407 of staple leg 1404 is alsomoved toward base 402. In addition to the above, as also discussed ingreater detail below, referring now to FIGS. 83-85, the staple pocketcan bend the first staple leg 1404 to a first side of base 1402 and thesecond staple leg 1406 to a second, or opposite, side of base 1402.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 82 and 83, the first leg 1404of staple 1400 can be bent such that the end 1405 of the first leg 1404is moved toward the base 402 and toward the second leg 1406 when thefirst leg 1404 is deformed by the first compressive force F1. In atleast one embodiment, the end 1405 can be moved from a first side 1410of midline 1403, as illustrated in FIG. 82, to a second side 1412 ofmidline 1403, as illustrated in FIG. 83. Similarly, the second leg 1406of staple 1400 can be bent such that the end 1407 of the second leg 1406is moved toward the base 1402 and toward the first leg 1404 when thesecond leg 1406 is deformed by the second compressive force F2. In atleast one embodiment, the end 1407 can be moved from a second side 1412of midline 1403, as illustrated in FIG. 82, to a first side 1410 ofmidline 1403, as illustrated in FIG. 83. In the deployed, or deformed,configuration of staple 1400, as illustrated in FIG. 83, the ends 1405and 1407 of staple legs 1404 and 1406 can extend across the midline 1403in such a way that they form an angle therebetween. More particularly,the end 1405 of the first leg 1404, when it is in its deformedconfiguration, can extend along or with respect to a first axis 1414and, similarly, the end 1407 of the second leg 1406, when it is in itsdeformed configuration, can extend along or with respect to a secondaxis 1416 such that the first axis 1414 and the second axis 1416 definean angle 1417 therebetween. In some embodiments, the angle 1417 may beapproximately 90 degrees, for example. In certain embodiments, the angle1417 may be in a range between approximately 0.1 degrees andapproximately 89 degrees, for example. In various embodiments, the angle1417 may be greater than 90 degrees, while, in at least one embodiment,the angle 1417 may be greater than approximately 90 degrees but lessthan 180 degrees, for example.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the first axis 1414 andthe second axis 1416 can, in various embodiments, be oriented, orcrossed, at a transverse angle with respect to each other, i.e., atleast when the staple 1400 is viewed from the side or elevational viewof FIG. 83. More particularly, upon reviewing FIG. 85, it becomesevident that, although axes 1414 and 1416 extend in transversedirections when viewed from the side (FIG. 83), the axes 1414 and 1416may not, in at least one embodiment, actually intersect one another. Insuch embodiments, when viewing the staple 1400 from the top or bottom(FIG. 85), for example, the axes 1414 and 1416 may extend in parallel,or at least substantially parallel, directions. Furthermore, in variousembodiments, the reader will note that the first axis 1414 and thesecond axis 1416 are not perpendicular with baseline 1401. Statedanother way, the end 1405 of first staple leg 1404 and the end 1407 ofsecond staple leg 1406 are not pointing directly downwardly toward base1402 and baseline 1401. In at least one such embodiment, the first axis1414 and the second axis 1416 can each extend at an acute angle withrespect to baseline 1401, for example.

As described above, a surgical instrument can be configured to deformthe staple 1400 of FIG. 82, for example, between an undeformed shape(FIG. 82) and a deformed shape (FIG. 83). In various embodiments, asalso described above, the surgical instrument can comprise an anvilhaving a staple pocket configured to receive and deform at least aportion of the staple. In certain embodiments, referring now to FIG. 75,an anvil can comprise a tissue-contacting surface 1501 and a pluralityof staple pockets 1500 formed therein, wherein each staple pocket 1500can be configured to deform a staple 1400. In various embodiments, eachstaple pocket 1500 can comprise a longitudinal axis 1599 (FIG. 76) and,in addition, a first forming cup 1502 and a second forming cup 1504positioned relative to the longitudinal axis 1599. In use, the firstforming cup 1502 can be configured to receive the first staple leg 1404of staple 1400 and the second forming cup 1504 can be configured toreceive the second staple leg 1406. More particularly, in at least oneembodiment, the staple pocket 1500 can be positioned relative to thestaple 1400 such that, as the staple 1400 is ejected from a staplecartridge, for example, the end 1405 of first leg 1404 can enter thefirst forming cup 1502 and the end 1407 of second leg 1406 can enter thesecond forming cup 1504. Further to the above, the end 1405 of firststaple leg 1404 can contact the base 1506 of first forming cup 1502 suchthat the first compressive force F1 can be applied to the first leg 1404and, similarly, the end 1407 of second staple leg 1406 can contact thebase 1508 of second forming cup 1504 such that the second compressiveforce F2 can be applied to the second leg 1406.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the first forming cup 1502can comprise an inside portion 1510 and an outside portion 1512,wherein, when the end 1405 of first staple leg 1404 enters into thefirst forming cup 1502, the end 1405 can enter into the outside portion1512. Upon entering into the outside portion 1512 of forming cup 1502,the end 1405 can contact base 1506 and, owing to a concave curve of base1506, the end 1405 can be directed inwardly toward the inside portion1510. More particularly, referring now to FIGS. 77-81, the base 1506 canbe curved toward tissue-contacting surface 1501 such that, as the stapleleg 1404 contacts the base 1506, the end 1405 can be directeddownwardly, i.e., away from tissue-contacting surface 1501, and inwardlyalong the curved concave surface toward an inflection point 1595. Invarious embodiments, the inflection point 1595 can represent the pointin which the concave surface of base 1506 will begin to deflect the end1405 of first leg 1404 upwardly toward the tissue-contacting surface1501. In various embodiments, the radius of curvature, r, of the concavesurface can be constant, or at least substantially constant, in thelongitudinal direction along the length thereof as illustrated in FIGS.80 and 81. In certain embodiments, the radius of curvature r of theconcave surface of base 1506 can be consistent across the width of base1506 between a first interior sidewall 1516 and a first exteriorsidewall 1517. In any event, as the end 1405 of first leg 1404 isadvanced into the inside portion 1510 of forming cup 1502, the end 1405can come into contact with a radius transition 1514 positionedintermediate the base 1506 and the first interior sidewall 1516. In suchembodiments, the radius transition 1514 can be configured to direct theend 1405 against the first interior sidewall 1516.

As illustrated in FIG. 76, further to the above, the first interiorsidewall 1516 can be oriented at an angle with respect to staple pocketlongitudinal axis 1599. In certain embodiments, the first interiorsidewall 1516 can be oriented at an acute angle, such as 10 degrees, forexample, with respect to longitudinal axis 1599. In various embodiments,the first interior sidewall 1516 and the longitudinal axis 1599 may beneither perpendicular nor parallel to one another. In any event, thefirst interior sidewall 1516 can extend through the axis 1599 such thata first portion of the first interior sidewall 1516 is positioned on afirst side 1515 of axis 1599 and a second portion of the first interiorsidewall 1516 is positioned on a second side 1517 of axis 1599. Invarious embodiments, as a result, the first interior sidewall 1516 canextend between the first outside portion 1512 and the first insideportion 1510. When the end 1405 of first leg 1404 contacts the firstinterior sidewall 1516, as described above, the end 1405 can be directedalong the first interior sidewall 1516 and away from longitudinal axis1599 such that the staple leg 1404 is bent away from the common plane ofstaple 1400 toward the first side 1515 of axis 1599. As the end 1405 offirst leg 1404 is directed along, or bent by, the first interiorsidewall 1516, as described above, the staple leg 1404 can also bedirected, or bent, by base 1506. Stated another way, the first sidewall1516 and the first base 1506 can co-operate to deform the first stapleleg 1404 such that end 1405 is re-directed toward the base 1402 and, atthe same time, to a first side of the base 1402 as described above. Atsome point during the insertion of first staple leg 1404 into firstforming cup 1502, the end 1405 of first staple leg 1404 can emerge fromthe first inside portion 1510 of first forming cup 1502 and, as thestaple leg 1404 is further deformed by the staple pocket 1500, the end1405 can be directed along the first axis 1414 (FIG. 83) as describedabove.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the first interiorsidewall 1516 can extend along an interior side of the first base 1506,wherein, in at least one embodiment, the first forming cup 1502 canfurther comprise a first exterior sidewall 1517 extending along anopposite side of the first base 1506. In certain embodiments, similar tothe above, the first forming cup 1502 can further comprise a transitionradius 1519 positioned intermediate the base 1506 and the exteriorsidewall 1517. In at least one embodiment, referring now to FIG. 76, theexterior sidewall 1517 can extend in a direction which is parallel, orat least substantially parallel, to the staple pocket longitudinal axis1599. As also illustrated in FIG. 76, the first interior sidewall 1516and the first exterior sidewall 1517 can extend in directions which aretransverse to one another. In at least one embodiment, the interiorsidewall 1516 can extend at an acute angle, such as approximately 15degrees, for example, with respect to the exterior sidewall 1517. Invarious embodiments, as a result, the outside portion 1512 of firstforming cup 1502 can be wider than the inside portion 1510. In at leastone such embodiment, the width of the outside portion 1512 and theinside portion 1510 can taper between a first width and a second width.

In various embodiments, referring once again to FIG. 76, the outsideportion 1512 of first forming cup 1502 can comprise a first outside wall1513 which can extend in a direction which is perpendicular to the firstexterior wall 1517 and/or the longitudinal axis 1599 and can define theoutermost portion of forming cup 1502. In at least one embodiment,further to the above, the width of the first outside wall 1513 can besuch that the outside portion 1512 can capture the end 1405 of first leg1404 and guide it into the inside portion 1510 of cup 1502 as describedabove. In at least one such embodiment, the first outside wall 1513 canbe at least as twice as wide as the diameter of the first leg 1404. Incertain embodiments, the first forming cup 1502 can further comprise achanneling surface 1528 surrounding the first inner portion 1510 and thefirst outer portion 1512 which can be configured to guide the staple leg1404 into and/or out of the forming cup 1502. In various embodiments,the inside portion 1510 can further comprise an inside wall 1511 whichcan define the innermost portion of forming cup 1502. Similar to theabove, the inside wall 1511 can also define the narrowest portion offorming cup 1502. In at least one embodiment, the width of the insidewall 1511 may be the same, or at least substantially the same, as thediameter of first leg 1404 such that the inside wall 1511 can controlthe location in which the end 1405 emerges from staple forming cup 1502.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the second forming cup1504 can comprise an inside portion 1520 and an outside portion 1522,wherein, when the end 1407 of second staple leg 1406 enters into thesecond forming cup 1504, the end 1407 can enter into the outside portion1522. Upon entering into the outside portion 1522 of forming cup 1504,the end 1407 can contact base 1508 and, owing to a concave curve of base1508, the end 1407 can be directed inwardly toward the inside portion1520. More particularly, similar to the above, the base 1508 can becurved toward tissue-contacting surface 1501 such that, as the stapleleg 1406 contacts the base 1508, the end 1407 can be directeddownwardly, i.e., away from tissue-contacting surface 1501, and inwardlyalong the curved concave surface toward an inflection point 1596. Invarious embodiments, the inflection point 1596 can represent the pointin which the concave surface of base 1508 will begin to deflect the end1407 of second leg 1406 upwardly toward the tissue-contacting surface1501. In various embodiments, the radius of curvature, r, of the concavesurface can be constant, or at least substantially constant, in thelongitudinal direction along the length thereof, similar to the base1506 of first forming cup 1502 illustrated in FIGS. 80 and 81. In anyevent, as the end 1407 of second leg 1406 is advanced into the insideportion 1520 of forming cup 1504, the end 1407 can come into contactwith a radius transition 1524 positioned intermediate the base 1508 anda second interior sidewall 1526. In such embodiments, the radiustransition 1524 can be configured to direct the end 1407 against thesecond interior sidewall 1526.

As illustrated in FIG. 76, further to the above, the second interiorsidewall 1526 can be oriented at an angle with respect to staple pocketlongitudinal axis 1599. In certain embodiments, the second interiorsidewall 1526 can be oriented at an acute angle, such as 10 degrees, forexample, with respect to longitudinal axis 1599. In various embodiments,the second interior sidewall 1526 and the longitudinal axis 1599 may beneither perpendicular nor parallel to one another. In any event, thesecond interior sidewall 1526 can extend through the axis 1599 such thata first portion of the second interior sidewall 1526 is positioned on afirst side 1515 of axis 1599 and a second portion of the second interiorsidewall 1526 is positioned on a second side 1517 of axis 1599. Invarious embodiments, as a result, the second interior sidewall 1526 canextend between the second outside portion 1522 and the second insideportion 1520. When the end 1407 of second leg 1406 contacts the interiorsidewall 1526, as described above, the end 1407 can be directed alongthe interior sidewall 1526 such that the staple leg 1406 is bent awayfrom the common plane of staple 1400 toward the second side 1517 of axis1599. As the end 1407 of second leg 1406 is directed along, and bent by,the interior sidewall 1526, as described above, the staple leg 1406 canalso be directed, and bent, by base 1508. Stated another way, the secondinterior sidewall 1526 and the second base 1508 can co-operate to deformthe second staple leg 1406 such that end 1407 is re-directed toward thebase 1402 and, at the same time, toward a second, or opposite, side ofthe base 1402 as described above. At some point during the insertion ofsecond staple leg 1406 into second forming cup 1504, the end 1407 ofsecond staple leg 1406 can emerge from the second inside portion 1520 ofsecond forming cup 1504 and, as the staple leg 1406 is further deformedby the staple pocket 1500, the end 1407 can be directed along the secondaxis 1416 (FIG. 83) as described above.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the second interiorsidewall 1526 can extend along an interior side of the second base 1508,wherein, in at least one embodiment, the second forming cup 1504 canfurther comprise a second exterior sidewall 1527 extending along anopposite side of the second base 1508. In certain embodiments, similarto the above, the second forming cup 1504 can further comprise atransition radius 1529 positioned intermediate the base 1508 and theexterior sidewall 1527. In at least one embodiment, referring now toFIG. 76, the exterior sidewall 1527 can extend in a direction which isparallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the staple pocketlongitudinal axis 1599. As also illustrated in FIG. 76, the secondinterior sidewall 1526 and the second exterior sidewall 1527 can extendin directions which are transverse to one another. In at least oneembodiment, the interior sidewall 1526 can extend at an acute angle,such as approximately 15 degrees, for example, with respect to theexterior sidewall 1527. In various embodiments, as a result, the outsideportion 1522 of second forming cup 1504 can be wider than the insideportion 1520. In at least one such embodiment, the width of the outsideportion 1522 and the inside portion 1520 can taper between a first widthand a second width.

In various embodiments, referring once again to FIG. 76, the outsideportion 1522 of second forming cup 1504 can comprise a second outsidewall 1523 which can extend in a direction which is perpendicular to thesecond exterior wall 1527 and/or the longitudinal axis 1599 and candefine the outermost portion of forming cup 1504. In at least oneembodiment, further to the above, the width of the second outside wall1523 can be such that the outside portion 1522 can capture the end 1407of second leg 1406 and guide it into the inside portion 1520 of cup 1504as described above. In at least one such embodiment, the second outsidewall 1523 can be at least as twice as wide as the diameter of the secondleg 1406. In certain embodiments, the second forming cup 1504 canfurther comprise a channeling surface 1529 surrounding the second innerportion 1520 and the second outer portion 1522 which can be configuredto guide the staple leg 1406 into and/or out of the forming cup 1504. Invarious embodiments, the inside portion 1520 can further comprise aninside wall 1521 which can define the innermost portion of forming cup1504. Similar to the above, the inside wall 1521 can also define thenarrowest portion of forming cup 1504. In at least one embodiment, thewidth of the inside wall 1521 may be the same, or at least substantiallythe same, as the diameter of second leg 1406 such that the inside wall1521 can control the location in which the end 1407 emerges from stapleforming cup 1504.

As discussed above, referring again to FIGS. 76-78, the first formingcup 1502 can comprise a first interior sidewall 1516 and the secondforming cup 1504 can comprise a second interior sidewall 1526. Asillustrated in FIG. 76, the first inside portion 1510 of forming cup1502 can be positioned in close proximity to, or close relation to, thesecond inside portion 1520 of forming cup 1504 such that the firstinterior sidewall 1516 can be positioned adjacent to the second interiorsidewall 1526. In at least one embodiment, the first interior portion1510, or at least a substantial portion thereof, can be offset from thestaple pocket longitudinal axis 1599 in the first direction 1515 whilethe second interior portion 1520, or at least a substantial portionthereof, can be offset from the longitudinal axis 1599 in the seconddirection 1517. In various embodiments, the staple pocket 1500 cancomprise a wall 1530 positioned intermediate the first inside portion1510 and the second inside portion 1520, wherein a first side of wall1530 can comprise the first interior sidewall 1516 and wherein a secondside of wall 1530 can comprise the second interior sidewall 1526. In atleast one such embodiment, the first interior sidewall 1516 can beparallel, or at least substantially parallel to, the second interiorsidewall 1526. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the firstinterior sidewall 1516 can define a first plane and the second interiorsidewall 1526 can define a second plane, wherein the first plane and thesecond plane can be parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to oneanother. In various embodiments, referring again to FIGS. 77 and 78, thefirst interior sidewall 1516 can be perpendicular, or at leastsubstantially perpendicular, to the tissue-contacting surface 1501 and,similarly, the second interior sidewall 1526 can be perpendicular, or atleast substantially perpendicular, to the tissue-contacting surface1501.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the first interiorsidewall 1516 can comprise a first vertical portion 1516 a which isperpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to thetissue-contacting surface 1501. In at least one embodiment, the firstvertical portion 1516 a can extend through, or transect, thelongitudinal axis 1599. In various embodiments, the first verticalportion 1516 a can extend along the entirety of, or only a portion of,the first interior sidewall 1516. Similarly, the second interiorsidewall 1526 can comprise a second vertical portion 1526 a which isperpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to thetissue-contacting surface 1501. In at least one embodiment, such asecond vertical portion 1526 a can extend through, or transect, thelongitudinal axis 1599. In various embodiments, the second verticalportion 1526 a can extend along the entirety of, or only a portion of,the second interior sidewall 1526. During the deployment of staple 1400,further to the above, the end 1405 of first leg 1404 can be in contactwith the first vertical portion 1516 a of first interior sidewall 1516at the same time the end 1407 of second leg 1406 is in contact with thesecond vertical portion 1526 a of second interior sidewall 1526. In suchcircumstances, the first vertical portion 1516 a and the second verticalportion 1526 a can comprise a vertical trap. More particularly, thevertical portions 1516 a and 1526 a can co-operate to control, deflect,and bend the staple legs 1404 and 1406 in opposite directions, i.e., indirections to the sides of a common plane, as described above, when thelegs 1404 and 1406 come into contact with the interior sidewalls 1516and 1526 of forming cups 1502 and 1504, respectively. For example,referring again to FIG. 75, the first vertical portion 1516 a can beconfigured to deflect and bend the staple leg 1404 to a first side ofbase 1402 and the second vertical portion 1526 a can be configured todeflect and bend the staple leg 1406 to a second, or opposite, side ofbase 1402.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the vertical trapcomprising vertical portions 1516 a and 1526 a can extend along theentire length of the first and second interior sidewalls 1516 and 1526,while, in other embodiments, the vertical trap may extend along only aportion of the sidewalls 1516 and 1526. In at least one embodiment, thevertical trap can be approximately 0.05 inches long, i.e., the overlapof the first vertical surface 1516 a and the second vertical surface1526 a can be approximately 0.05 inches, for example, along the lengthsof interior surfaces 1516 and 1526. In various embodiments, the lengthof the vertical trap can be between approximately 0.03 inches andapproximately 0.10 inches, for example. In certain embodiments, thelength of the vertical trap can be approximately twice the radius ofcurvature (r) of the curved concave surface of base 1506, for example.In various embodiments, the length of the vertical trap can beapproximately equal to the radius of curvature (r) of base 1506, forexample. In at least one embodiment, the length of the vertical trap canbe between approximately 0.5*r and approximately 2*r, for example. Invarious embodiments, further to the above, the vertical trap can extendthrough the longitudinal axis 1599 of staple pocket 1500 such that, inat least one embodiment, at least a portion of the vertical trap can bepositioned on a first side and/or a second side of axis 1599. In certainembodiments, the vertical trap can extend through the central portionsof the first and second forming cups 1502 and 1504.

In various embodiments, the first interior sidewall 1516 can furthercomprise a first angled portion which, in at least one embodiment, canbe oriented at an acute angle with respect to the tissue-contactingsurface 1501. In at least one such embodiment, the first angled portioncan be positioned outwardly with respect to the first vertical portion1516 a. In certain embodiments, the first interior sidewall 1516 cancomprise an angled portion positioned toward the outside portion 1512which can become progressively more perpendicular toward the insideportion 1510 of the first forming cup 1502 until the angled portiontransitions into the first vertical portion 1516 a. In variousembodiments, the second interior sidewall 1526 can further comprise asecond angled portion which, in at least one embodiment, can be orientedat an acute angle with respect to the tissue-contacting surface 1501. Inat least one such embodiment, the second angled portion can bepositioned outwardly with respect to the second vertical portion 1526 a.In certain embodiments, the second interior sidewall 1526 can comprisean angled portion positioned toward the outside portion 1522 which canbecome progressively more perpendicular toward the inside portion 1520of the second forming cup 1504 until the angled portion transitions intothe second vertical portion 1526 a.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIG. 85A, the staple pocket1500 can be configured to deform the first staple leg 1404 such that thefirst end 1405 is deflected a first distance X1 from baseline 1401.Similarly, the second staple leg 1406 can be deformed such that thesecond end 1407 is deflected a second distance X2 from baseline 1401. Incertain embodiments, the distance X1 and the distance X2 can be thesame, or at least substantially the same. In various other embodiments,the distances X1 and X2 can be different. In at least one suchembodiment, the first leg 1404 can be deformed such that the first end1405 is positioned closer to base 1402 than the second end 1407, forexample. In such embodiments, the first axis 1414 of deformed staple leg1404 and the second axis 1416 of deformed staple leg 1406 may benon-parallel. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the firstaxis 1414 can extend at a first angle with respect to baseline 1401 andthe second axis 1416 can extend at a second angle with respect tobaseline 1401 wherein the second angle is different than the firstangle. In various embodiments, the first leg 1404 and the second leg1406 can extend across midline 1403 at different angles. In certainother embodiments, the first leg 1404 and the second leg 1406 can beextend at different angles with respect to baseline 1401 although one orboth of the legs 1404 and 1406 may not extend across the midline 1403.

In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical stapler cancomprise a staple pocket which can be configured to deform one stapleleg of staple 1400 such that it lies within, or substantially within, acommon plane with base 1402 and, in addition, deform the other stapleleg of staple 1400 to a side of base 1402 as described above. In atleast one embodiment, the first leg 1404 can be deformed such that itextends through midline 1403 in a direction which is co-planar, or atleast substantially co-planar, with base 1402 and, in addition, thesecond leg 1406 can be deformed such that it extends through midline1403 in a direction which is transverse to the plane. Stated anotherway, in at least one embodiment, axis 1414 and baseline 1401 of staple1400 can be coplanar, or at least nearly co-planar, with one anotherwhile second axis 1416 can extend in a direction which extends throughsuch a plane. In certain embodiments, at least one of the first leg 1404and the second leg 1406 may not extend through the midline 1403.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the staple pocket 1500 canbe configured to deform the staple legs 1404 and 1406 of staple 1400simultaneously, or at least substantially simultaneously. In at leastone embodiment, the base 1506 of first forming cup 1502 can contact end1405 of first staple leg 1404 at the same time, or at leastsubstantially the same time, that the base 1508 of second forming cup1504 contacts end 1407 of second staple leg 1406. In certain otherembodiments, a staple pocket can be configured to deform the staple legs1404 and 1406 sequentially. In at least one such embodiment, a firstforming cup can be brought into contact with the first staple leg 1404before a second forming cup is brought into contact with the secondstaple leg 1406, for example. In various alternative embodiments,although not illustrated, a surgical staple can comprise more than twostaple legs, such as three staple legs or four staple legs, for example,and a staple pocket can comprise a corresponding quantity of stapleforming cups for deforming the staple legs.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the wire comprising thesurgical staple 1400 can comprise a circular, or at least substantiallycircular, cross-section. In various other embodiments, referring now toFIGS. 86-89, a surgical staple, such as staple 1600, for example, cancomprise a non-circular cross-section. In at least one embodiment, thestaple 1600 can comprise a base 1602, a first leg 1604, and a second leg1606, wherein the base 1602 and legs 1604 and 1606 can be comprised of acontinuous wire. In various embodiments, the continuous wire cancomprise a rectangular cross-section, for example. In at least oneembodiment, referring to FIG. 89, the rectangular cross-section cancomprise a base (b) and a height (h), wherein the base (b) can bedefined relative to a central lateral axis (x), and wherein the height(h) can be defined relative to a central longitudinal axis (y). Invarious circumstances, the rectangular cross-section can be defined ashaving two moments of inertia, i.e., a first moment of inertia (Ix)defined with respect to axis (x) and a second moment of inertia (Iy)defined with respect to axis (y). In at least one circumstance, thefirst moment of inertia (Ix) can be calculated as (b*h{circumflex over( )}3)/12 while the second moment of inertia (Iy) can be calculated as(h*b{circumflex over ( )}3)/12. Although staple 1600 comprises arectangular, or at least substantially rectangular cross-section, anyother suitable non-circular cross-section can be utilized, such asoblate, elliptical, and/or trapezoidal cross-sections, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 89, the base (b) of surgical staple 1600 islarger than the height (h) and, in view of the above, the moment ofinertia (Iy) of the rectangular cross-section is larger than the momentof inertia (Ix). In various embodiments, as a result, the moment ofinertia ratio, i.e., Iy/Ix, of the rectangular cross-section can begreater than 1.0. In certain embodiments, the moment of inertia ratiocan be between approximately 2.0 and approximately 2.7, for example. Incertain other embodiments, the moment of inertia ratio can be betweenapproximately 1.1 and approximately 3.0, for example. As a result of theabove, the leg 1604 is more likely to bend about axis (x) than aboutaxis (y) when a force, such as compressive load F1, for example, isapplied to the leg 1604. In any event, absent all other considerations,the leg 1604, in such embodiments, is more likely to bend within acommon plane defined by the staple 1600 when it is in its undeformedstate than bend to a side of staple base 1602. In various embodiments,however, a surgical stapler comprising an anvil and staple pocket inaccordance with the embodiments described herein, such as staple pocket1500, for example, can be utilized to cause the legs 1604 and 1606 ofstaple 1600 to bend out of their common plane when they are deformed. Insuch embodiments, this lateral deflection can occur despite the factthat the moment of inertia Iy, which resists such twisting, is greaterthan the moment of inertia Ix. As illustrated in FIG. 88, the first leg1604 of staple 1600 can be deformed such that it is bent relative toboth axis (x) and axis (y) of its cross-section and, as a result, thefirst staple leg 1604 can be twisted or deformed such that the end 1605of first staple leg 1604 is positioned on a first side of base 1602.Similarly, the second leg 1606 can be deformed such that it is bentrelative to both axis (x) and axis (y) of its cross-section and, as aresult, the second staple leg 1606 can be twisted or deformed such thatthe end 1607 of second staple leg 1606 is positioned on a second side ofbase 1602.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIG. 90, a surgical staple,such as surgical staple 1700, for example, can comprise a base 1702 and,in addition, a first leg 1704 and a second leg 1706 extending from base1702. In certain embodiments, similar to the above, the base 1702, thefirst leg 1704, and the second leg 1706 can lie, or at leastsubstantially lie, in a common plane when the staple 1700 is anundeformed, or undeployed, configuration, i.e., a configuration prior tobeing deformed by an anvil of a surgical stapler, for example. In thedeformed or deployed configuration of staple 1700, as illustrated inFIG. 90, the first leg 1704 can be deformed such that end 1705 pointstoward base 1702 and second leg 1706. More particularly, in at least oneembodiment, the end 1705 can lie along, or with respect to, a first axis1714 which is oriented at angle with respect to midline 1703. Similarly,the second leg 1706 can be deformed such that end 1707 points towardbase 1702 and first leg 1704. More particularly, in at least oneembodiment, the end 1707 can lie along, or with respect to, a secondaxis 1716 which is oriented at angle with respect to midline 1703. Invarious embodiments, the ends 1705 and 1707 of legs 1704 and 1706 maynot cross mid-line 1703. In certain embodiments, similar to the above,the end 1705 of first leg 1704 may be deformed such that it extends to afirst side of base 1702 and the end 1707 of second leg 1706 may bedeformed such that it extends to a second, or opposite, side of base1702 such that legs 1704 and 1706 are not entirely positioned in-planewith base 1702 in their deformed configuration, for example.

In various embodiments, a surgical staple, such as staple 1800 (FIG.91), for example, can comprise a base 1802, a first leg 1804, and asecond leg 1806, wherein the staple 1800 can comprise a substantiallyU-shaped configuration in its undeformed, or undeployed, configuration.In at least one such embodiment, legs 1804 and 1806 can extend in aperpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, direction withrespect to base 1802. In various circumstances, the staple 1800 can bedeformed into a B-shaped configuration as illustrated in FIG. 91. In atleast one such embodiment, the first leg 1804 can be bent downwardlytoward base 1802 such that axis 1814 extending through end 1805 isperpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to baseline1801. Similarly, the second leg 1806 can be bent downwardly toward base1802 such that axis 1816 extending through end 1807 is perpendicular, orat least substantially perpendicular, to baseline 1801. In at least onesuch circumstance, the legs 1804 and 1806 can be bent such that axes1814 and 1816 are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to oneanother. In various embodiments, referring again to FIG. 91, the staplelegs 1804 and 1806 can be deformed such that they do not crosscenterline 1803. The staple legs 1804 and 1806 can be deformed such thatthey remain in-plane, or at least substantially in-plane, with base1802.

Various examples described below are envisioned which incorporate one ormore aspects of the various embodiments described above. Such examplesare exemplary and various aspects of various embodiments described inthis application can be combined in a single embodiment. In each of theexamples described below, the surgical staple can comprise a basedefining a baseline, a first leg and a second leg which extend from thebase, and a midline midway between the first leg and the second leg.

Example 1

A surgical staple can be deformed such that:

First Leg Second Leg Crosses the midline (FIG. 83) Crosses the midline(FIG. 83) Extends in-plane, or Extends out of plane with the base (FIG.substantially in-plane, with 85) the base (FIG. 91) The end extends in anon- The end extends in a non-perpendicular perpendicular directiondirection with the baseline (FIG. 83) with the baseline (FIG. 83)

Example 2

A surgical staple can be deformed such that:

First Leg Second Leg Crosses the midline (FIG. 83) Crosses the midline(FIG. 83) Extends out of plane with the Extends out of plane with thebase base (FIG. 85) to the same side (FIG. 85) to the same side of thebase of the base as the second leg, the as the first leg, the distanceX1 being distance X1 being different than different than X2 (FIG. 85A)X2 (FIG. 85A) The end extends in a non- The end extends in a non-perpendicular direction perpendicular direction with the with thebaseline (FIG. 83) baseline (FIG. 83)

Example 3

A surgical staple can be deformed such that:

First Leg Second Leg Does not cross the midline Does not cross themidline (FIG. 90) (FIG. 90) Extends out of plane with the Extends out ofplane with the base base (FIG. 85) to a first side of (FIG. 85) to asecond side of the base, the base, the distance XI being the distance X1being different than different than X2 (FIG. 85A) X2 (FIG. 85A) The endextends in a non- The end extends in a non-perpendicular perpendiculardirection direction with the baseline (FIG. 83) with the baseline (FIG.83)

Example 4

A surgical staple can be deformed such that:

First Leg Second Leg Does not cross the midline Does not cross themidline (FIG. 90) (FIG. 90) Extends out of plane with the Extends out ofplane with the base base (FIG. 85) to the same (FIG. 85) to the sameside of the base side of the base as the second as the second leg, thedistance X1 leg, the distance X1 being different being different than X2(FIG. 85A) than X2 (FIG. 85A) The end extends in a non- The end extendsin a non- perpendicular direction perpendicular direction with the withthe baseline (FIG. 83) baseline (FIG. 83)

Example 5

A surgical staple can be deformed such that:

First Leg Second Leg Does not cross the midline Does not cross themidline (FIG. 90) (FIG. 90) Extends in-plane, or Extends out of planewith the base substantially in-plane, with (FIG. 85) the base (FIG. 91)The end extends in a The end extends in a non-perpendicularperpendicular direction direction with the baseline (FIG. 83) with thebaseline (FIG. 91)

Example 6

A surgical staple can be deformed such that:

First Leg Second Leg Crosses the midline (FIG. 83) Does not cross themidline (FIG. 90) Extends out of plane with the Extends out of planewith the base base (FIG. 85) to a first (FIG. 85) to a second side ofthe base, side of the base, the distance the distance X1 being differentthan X2 X1 being different than X2 (FIG. 52A) (FIG. 85A) The end extendsin a non- The end extends in a non-perpendicular perpendicular directiondirection with the baseline (FIG. 83) with the baseline (FIG. 83)

Example 7

A surgical staple can be deformed such that:

First Leg Second Leg Crosses the midline (FIG. 83) Does not cross themidline (FIG. 90) Extends out of plane with the Extends out of planewith the base base (FIG. 85) to the same (FIG. 85) to the same side ofthe base side of the base as the second as the second leg, the distanceX1 leg, the distance X1 being being different than X2 (FIG. 85A)different than X2 (FIG. 85A) The end extends in a non- The end extendsin a non-perpendicular perpendicular direction direction with thebaseline (FIG. 83) with the baseline (FIG. 83)

Example 8

A surgical staple can be deformed such that:

First Leg Second Leg Crosses the midline (FIG. 83) Does not cross themidline (FIG. 90) Extends out of plane with the base Extends in-plane,or substantially in- (FIG. 85) plane, with the base (FIG. 91) The endextends in a non- The end extends in a perpendicular perpendiculardirection direction to the baseline (FIG. 91) with the baseline (FIG.83)

Example 9

A surgical staple can be deformed such that:

First Leg Second Leg Crosses the midline (FIG. 83) Does not cross themidline (FIG. 90) Extends in-plane, or Extends out of plane with thebase substantially in-plane, with (FIG. 85) the base (FIG. 91) The endextends in a non- The end extends in a non-perpendicular perpendiculardirection direction with the baseline (FIG. 83) with the baseline (FIG.83)

Several of the deformed staples described above comprise one or morestaple legs which cross the mid-line of the staple base. In variousembodiments, as a result, the deformed staple legs may at leastpartially overlap with one another. More particularly, the deformedstaple legs, when viewed from the side, may co-operate to traverse thestaple base from one end to the other leaving no gap therebetween. Suchembodiments can be particularly useful, especially when used to staplevascular tissue. More specifically, the overlapping staple legs cancompress blood vessels within the tissue regardless of where the bloodvessels extend through the staple. Staples having gaps between the legs,or legs which do not extend along the entire length of the staple basewhen deformed, may not be able to properly compress every blood vesselin the tissue and, as a result, one or more blood vessels may leak.

In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical instrument canbe configured to deploy a plurality of staples 1400 in the mannerdescribed above and illustrated in FIGS. 83-85. In at least one suchembodiment, the surgical stapler can deploy the staples 1400 in asequential manner along a staple path and/or in a simultaneous manner,for example. In certain embodiments, a surgical instrument can beconfigured to deploy a plurality of staples 1600 in the manner describedabove and illustrated in FIG. 88. In at least one such embodiment,similar to the above, the surgical stapler can deploy the staples 1600in a sequential manner along a staple path and/or in a simultaneousmanner, for example. In various embodiments, further to the above, asurgical instrument can be configured to deploy a plurality of staples1700 in the manner described above and illustrated in FIG. 90. In atleast one such embodiment, the surgical stapler can deploy the staples1700 in a sequential manner along a staple path and/or in a simultaneousmanner, for example.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIGS. 103-108, a surgicalstapling instrument 2100 can comprise, similar to the above, a firsthousing portion 2102 and a second housing portion 2104 which can beoperably connected to one another by a latch 2180. Latch 2180 cancomprise a frame 2184 which can be pivotably mounted to a frame 2110 offirst housing portion 2102. In use, the latch 2180 can be configured toengage a frame 2114 of second housing portion 2104 and draw the secondhousing portion 2104 toward the first housing portion 2102 and move theanvil support portion 2130 of second housing portion 2104 toward thestaple cartridge support portion 2124 of first housing portion 2102. Invarious embodiments, the first housing portion 2102, the second housingportion 2104, and the latch 2180 can each comprise one or more contouredouter housings or gripping portions, for example. In at least one suchembodiment, the first housing portion 2102 can comprise an outer housing2108, the second housing portion 2104 can comprise an outer housing2112, and the latch 2180 can comprise an outer housing 2186. Thesurgical stapling instrument 2100 can further comprise a firing actuator2204 which can, similar to the above, be selectively positioned onopposite sides of the surgical stapling instrument. More particularly,further to the above, the actuator 2204 can be selectively positioned ona first side of the housing portions 2102, 2104 such that the actuator2204 can be moved distally along the first side or selectivelypositioned on a second side of the housing portions 2102, 2104 such thatthe actuator 2204 can be moved distally along the second side. In atleast one embodiment, the first housing portion 2102 and the secondhousing portion 2104 can define one or more slots 2118 therebetweenwhich can permit the actuator 2204 to be moved along the first andsecond sides. In at least one such embodiment, the slots 2118 can beconnected by an intermediate slot 2331 which can extend around and/orthrough the proximal end of the surgical stapling instrument 2100.

Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 103-111, the firing actuator2204 can be rotatably mounted to a drive bar 2220, wherein, in at leastone embodiment, the actuator 2204 can be rotatably mounted to the drivebar 2220 via a connecting link 2206. Referring primarily to FIGS.109-111, the actuator 2204 can be rotated between an intermediate, orneutral, position (FIG. 109) in which the drive bar 2220 is locked inposition and cannot be advanced distally and an unlocked position (FIG.110) in which the drive bar 2220 and the actuator 2204 are ready to befired distally. Although FIG. 110 illustrates the actuator 2204 in anunlocked position on the first side of the surgical stapling instrumenthousing, the actuator 2204 can also be moved into an unlocked positionon the opposite, or second, side of the surgical stapling instrumenthousing. The following example, although discussed in connection withthe actuator 2204 being moved along the first side of the housing, isalso applicable in connection with the actuator 2204 being moved alongthe second side of the housing. In any event, the actuator 2204 and thefirst housing portion 2102, for example, can comprise variousinterlocking features which can prevent, or at least limit, relativemovement between the drive bar 2220 and the first housing portion 2102.More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the first housing portion2102 can comprise one or more slots and/or one or more projections whichcan be configured to co-operate with one or more slots and/or one ormore projections of actuator 2204 such that the drive bar 2220 cannot beadvanced distally until the actuator 2204 has been sufficiently rotatedout of its neutral position and into an unlocked position. In variousembodiments, the proximal end of the first housing portion 2102 cancomprise an end post 2107 which can include a retention slot 2213configured to receive at least a portion of actuator link 2206, such asretention projection 2214, therein. When the actuator 2204 is in itsneutral position, the retention projection 2214 is positioned in theretention slot 2213 and neither the actuator 2204 nor the driver bar2220 can be advanced distally. As the actuator 2204 is rotated toward anunlocked position, the retention projection 2214 can move out of theretention slot 2213 in end post 2107 and into a receiving slot 2215 indriver bar 2220 as illustrated in FIG. 110. In at least one embodiment,the driver bar 2220 and actuator 2204 can remain in a locked conditionuntil the retention projection 2214 has completely exited the retentionslot 2213. Thereafter, the actuator 2204 can be advanced distally. Inaddition to or lieu of the above, the end post 2107 can further comprisea retention wall 2211 which can, similar to the above, impede the distalmovement of actuator 2204 and drive bar 2220. More particularly, theactuator link 2206 can further comprise a retention projection 2216which can be positioned behind, or distally with respect to, theretention wall 2211 when the actuator 2204 is in its neutral positionand, owing to such alignment, the retention wall 2211 can provide abearing surface preventing the distal movement of retention projection2216. Once actuator 2204 has been sufficiently rotated out of itsneutral position toward an unlocked position, the retention projection2216 can be moved to a position in channel 2217 which is out oflongitudinal alignment with the retention wall 2211 thereby permittingrelative longitudinal movement therebetween.

As described above, once the actuator 2204 has been moved into anunlocked position (FIG. 110), the actuator 2204 can be advanced distallyinto a fired position (FIG. 111). In such circumstances, referring nowto FIG. 106, a force can be applied to the actuator 2204 in order toadvance drive bar 2220 distally and incise tissue and/or deploy staplesfrom a staple cartridge as described above. In such circumstances, theforce can rotate and seat the actuator 2204 in a fully-deployed, or anat least nearly fully-deployed, position. In at least one embodiment,the drive bar 2220 can comprise one or more stops, such as stops 2221(FIG. 111), for example, which can limit the rotation of the actuator2204 in the distal direction. In at least one such embodiment, the drivebar 2220 can comprise a first stop 2221 configured to limit the rotationof the actuator 2204 toward the first side of the instrument and asecond stop 2221 configured to limit the rotation of the actuator towardthe second side of the instrument. In certain embodiments, referring toFIG. 106, the stops 2221 can be configured such that the actuator 2204is positioned along an axis which is perpendicular, or at leastsubstantially perpendicular, to a longitudinal axis 2299 of the surgicalstapling instrument 2100. Such a position of actuator 2204 is alsoillustrated in FIG. 104. Referring now to FIG. 107, a force can beapplied to the actuator 2204 in order to retract the actuator 2204proximally. In such circumstances, the force can cause the actuator 2204to rotate proximally until it comes into contact with the first housingportion 2102 and/or the second housing portion 2104. Such a position ofactuator 2204 is also illustrated in FIG. 105 wherein the actuator 2204can be positioned against lock rail 2131 and/or lock rail 2132, forexample, in order to prevent any further rotation of the actuator 2204.

In various embodiments, as described above, the latch 2180 can beutilized to lock the first housing portion 2102 and the second housingportion 2104 together. In certain embodiments, the actuator 2204 can beutilized to limit the relative movement between the housing portions2102, 2104 and/or move the housing portions 2102, 2104 toward oneanother. In at least one embodiment, referring primarily to FIGS. 103,104, and 108, the actuator 2204 can comprise a recess, or channel, 2130which can be configured to receive the lock rails 2131 and 2132 when theactuator 2204 is moved along the first side of the surgical staplinginstrument 2100 or, alternatively, receive the lock rails 2133 and 2134when the actuator 2204 is moved along the second side of the surgicalstapling instrument 2100. In either event, the recess 2130 can beconfigured to capture an opposing set of rails, such as rails 2131 and2132, for example, and prevent, or at least limit, relative movementtherebetween. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the recess2130 can comprise a first bearing surface 2135 positioned opposite thefirst lock rail 2131 and a second bearing surface 2136 positionedopposite the second lock rail 2132 such that the bearing surfaces 2135,2136 can prevent, or at least limit, the movement of the first housingportion 2102 and the second housing portion 2104 away from one another.In some circumstances, gaps may exist between the bearing surfaces 2135,2136 and the lock rails 2131, 2132, respectively, when the bearingsurfaces 2135, 2136 are adjacent to the lock rails 2131, 2132 while, inother circumstances, the bearing surface 2135 may contact the lock rail2131 and/or the bearing surface 2136 may contact the lock rail 1232, forexample. In use, in various circumstances, the actuator 2204 can bemoved from its neutral position (FIG. 109) into an unlocked position(FIG. 110) wherein, in such a position, the recess 2130 can be alignedwith either a set of rails 2131, 2132 or a set of rails 2133, 2134depending on whether the actuator 2204 has been rotated to the first orsecond side. When the actuator 2204 is advanced distally, in somecircumstances, the actuator 2204 may contact the rails and cam, ordrive, the rails toward each other. In such circumstances, the firsthousing portion 2102 and the second housing portion 2104 can be cammed,or driven, toward one another.

In various embodiments, as described above, the actuator 2204 canreceive, capture, and/or engage a lock rail extending from each of thefirst housing portion 2102 and the second housing portion 2104. Invarious alternative embodiments, the actuator 2204 can be configured toreceive, capture, and/or engage two or more lock rails extending fromthe first housing portion 2102 and/or the second housing portion 2104.In certain embodiments, the first housing portion 2102 and/or the secondhousing portion 2104 can comprise one or more lock channels which can beconfigured to receive at least a portion of the actuator. In variousembodiments, the housing portions and the actuator of the surgicalstapling instrument can comprise any suitable lock portions which can beconfigured to receive, align, retain, capture, lock, move, cam, and/orlimit the movement of the surgical instrument housing portions. Invarious embodiments, referring primarily to FIGS. 106 and 107, the lockrails 2131, 2132, 2133, and/or 2134 can extend longitudinally along thestapling instrument 2100 such that, in at least one embodiment, theyextend in a longitudinal direction from the proximal end of the surgicalstapling instrument 2100 toward the distal end of the instrument whichis parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to longitudinal axis2299. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the lock rails 2131,2132, 2133, and/or 2134 can extend in directions which are parallel, orat least substantially parallel, to one another.

In various embodiments, as discussed above, a surgical staplinginstrument can comprise an anvil including a plurality of staple pockets1500. In certain embodiments, the staple pockets 1500 can be arranged inan end-to-end manner extending between a proximal end and a distal endof the anvil. Referring now to FIG. 119, an anvil can comprise one ormore rows of staple pockets 1500 wherein the first forming cup 1502 ofeach staple pocket 1500 can be positioned distally with respect to itsrespective second forming cup 1504, for example. In certain otherembodiments, the first forming cups 1502 can be positioned proximallywith respect to their respective second forming cups 1504. In variousembodiments, each first forming cup 1502 can comprise a generallytriangular shape comprising a first leg comprising first outer sidewall1513, a second leg comprising first exterior sidewall 1517 extendingperpendicular to, or at least substantially perpendicular to, the firstleg, and a hypotenuse extending between the first leg and the second legcomprising first interior sidewall 1516. In at least one suchembodiment, the first leg, the second leg, and the hypotenuse of thefirst forming cup 1502 can form a right, or at least substantiallyright, triangle. As illustrated in FIG. 119, an anvil, such as anvil2430, for example, can comprise a first side 2431, a second side 2432, aknife slot 2433 extending between the first side 2431 and the secondside 2432, and a plurality of staple pockets 1500. The plurality ofstaple pockets 1500 can include a first group of staple pockets 1500,hereinafter referred to as first staple pockets 1500 a, which eachcomprise a first configuration and a second group of staple pockets1500, hereinafter referred to as second staple pockets 1500 b, whicheach comprise a second configuration. With regard to the first staplepockets 1500 a, the first forming cups 1502 therein can comprise firstexterior sidewalls 1517 which can face toward and/or can be parallel tothe knife slot 2433 and first interior sidewalls 1516 which can facetoward the first side 2431 of the anvil 2430.

Similar to the above, each second forming cup 1504 can comprise agenerally triangular shape comprising a first leg comprising secondouter sidewall 1523, a second leg comprising second exterior sidewall1527 extending perpendicular to, or at least substantially perpendicularto, the first leg, and a hypotenuse extending between the first leg andthe second leg comprising second interior sidewall 1526. In at least onesuch embodiment, the first leg, the second leg, and the hypotenuse ofthe second forming cup 1504 can form a right, or at least substantiallyright, triangle. Similarly, the second forming cups 1504 of first staplepockets 1500 a comprise second exterior sidewalls 1527 which can facetoward and/or can be parallel to the first side 2431 of the anvil 2430while the second interior sidewalls 1526 can face toward the knife slot2433. In various embodiments, the second staple pockets 1500 b cancomprise a geometry which is a mirror-image, or substantially a mirrorimage, of the first staple pockets 1500 a. Similar to the first formingcups 1502 of the first staple pockets 1500 a, the first forming cups1502 of the second staple pockets 1500 b can comprise first exteriorsidewalls 1517 which can face toward and/or can be parallel to the knifeslot 2433 and first interior sidewalls 1516 which can face toward thesecond side 2432 of the anvil 2430. Furthermore, similar to the secondforming cups 1504 of the first staple pockets 1500 a, the second formingcups of the second staple pockets 1500 b can comprise second exteriorsidewalls 1527 which can face toward and/or can be parallel to thesecond side 2432 of the anvil 2430 and second interior sidewalls 1526which can face toward the knife slot 2433.

In various embodiments, an anvil of a surgical stapler can comprise arow of first staple pockets 1500 a and a row of second staple pockets1500 b. Referring again to FIG. 119, anvil 2430 can comprise a pluralityof rows including first staple pockets 1500 a on a first side of theknife slot 2433 and a plurality of rows including second staple pockets1500 b on the opposite side of the knife slot 2433. In use, in at leastone such embodiment, the staple legs that are formed by the firstforming cups 1502 can be at least partially bent toward the knife slot2433 while the staple legs that are formed by the second forming cups1504 can be at least partially bent away from the knife slot 2433, forexample. Such an arrangement of formed staples could be produced on bothsides of the knife slot 2433. In certain alternative embodiments, thestaple pockets 1500 could be arranged such that the staple legs that areformed by the first forming cups 1502 can be at least partially bentaway from the knife slot 2433 while the staple legs that are formed bythe second forming cups 1504 can be at least partially bent toward theknife slot 2433, for example. In certain embodiments, an anvil cancomprise alternating rows of staple pockets 1500 a and 1500 b. In atleast one embodiment, an anvil can comprise rows of staple pocketsincluding both staple pockets 1500 a and staple pockets 1500 b, forexample. In at least one such embodiment, various patterns of staplelegs being formed toward and away from one another could be achieved.

In various embodiments, further to the above and referring to FIG. 76once again, the anvil of a surgical stapler can comprise a plurality ofstaple pockets 1500. In certain embodiments, the staple pockets 1500 canbe arranged and positioned along straight, or at least substantiallystraight, lines such that longitudinal axes 1599 of the staple pockets1500 are either collinear with, substantially collinear with, parallelto, and/or substantially parallel to one another. In variousembodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a curved anvil.Referring now to FIG. 112, a surgical stapling instrument 2200, forexample, can comprise an end effector including a circular, or at leastsubstantially circular, anvil 2230. Anvil 2230 can comprise an innercircular, or at least substantially circular, row of staple pockets 1500and an outer circular, or at least substantially circular, row of staplepockets 1500, for example. In various embodiments, the inner circularrow of staple pockets 1500 and the outer circular row of staple pockets1500 can be concentric, or at least substantially concentric, with oneanother. In various other embodiments, an anvil may comprise only onecircular row of staple pockets 1500 or more than two circular rows ofstaple pockets 1500, for example.

In various embodiments, referring again to FIG. 112, the surgicalstapling instrument 2200 can further comprise a circular staplecartridge 2250 positioned opposite the anvil 2230. The staple cartridge2250 can comprise a plurality of staples stored therein wherein, duringuse, the staples can be ejected from the staple cartridge 2250 andcontact the staple pockets 1500. In various embodiments, the staples canbe stored in staple cavities defined within the staple cartridge 2250.The staple cavities and the staples can be aligned with the staplepockets 1500 such that the legs of the staples can enter into the firstand second forming cups 1502 and 1504 of the staple pockets 1500 asdescribed above. In various embodiments, the surgical staplinginstrument can comprise a firing drive which can eject the staples fromthe staple cartridge and, in addition, move a cutting member relative tothe staple cartridge and anvil. Various surgical stapling instrumentsare disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,945, entitled SURGICAL ANASTOMOSISSTAPLING INSTRUMENT, which issued on Feb. 14, 1994, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In various embodiments, referring primarily now to FIG. 113, the staplepockets 1500 can be positioned along an inner circular path 2231 and/oran outer circular path 2232, for example. As discussed above, eachstaple pocket 1500 can comprise a longitudinal axis 1599 which can, incertain embodiments, extend through the center of their respectivestaple pockets 1500. As illustrated in FIG. 113, each longitudinal axis1599 can extend transversely through an inner circular path 2231 and/oran outer circular path 2232. In at least one such embodiment, thelongitudinal axes 1599 of the inner row of staple pockets 1500 canextend transversely through the inner circular path 2231 and thelongitudinal axes 1599 of the outer row of staple pockets 1500 canextend transversely through the outer circular path 2232. In variousembodiments, referring to FIG. 76 once again, each staple pocket 1500can be defined by a longitudinal length extending between the firstoutside wall 1513 and the second outside wall 1523 wherein, in at leastone such embodiment, each longitudinal length can comprise a midpoint.In certain embodiments, the staple cavities 1500 can be positioned andarranged such that the midpoints of the longitudinal lengths arepositioned on and/or near the inner circular path 2231 and/or the outercircular path 2232. In at least one embodiment, the midpoints of thelongitudinal lengths can be positioned offset with respect to the innercircular path 2231 and/or the outer circular path 2232.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the axes 1599 of thestaple pockets 1500 can be tilted with respect to the inner and outercircular paths 2231 and 2232. In at least one such embodiment, eachstaple pocket 1500 can comprise a first forming cup 1502 at leastpartially positioned on one side of a circular path and a second formingcup 1504 at least partially positioned on the other side of the circularpath. In certain other embodiments, the staple pockets 1500 can becontoured such that the longitudinal centerline of the staple pockets iscurved to match, or at least substantially match, the radius ofcurvature of the inner circular path 2231 and/or the outer circular path2232, for example. In various embodiments, each circular path can bedefined by a constant, or at least substantially constant, radius ofcurvature, and the staple pockets 1500 can be contoured to match, or atleast substantially match, the radius of curvature.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIG. 114, a surgicalinstrument, such as surgical instrument 2300, for example, can include acurved anvil 2330. Similar to the above, the curved anvil 2330 cancomprise a plurality of staple pockets 1500 positioned along severalcurved rows. In the illustrated embodiment, the anvil 2330 can comprisefour curved rows of pockets 1500, for example, wherein, referringprimarily to FIGS. 115 and 116, the staple pockets 1500 can bepositioned along a first curved path 2331, a second curved path 2332, athird curved path 2333, and/or a fourth curved path 2334. In at leastone such embodiment, each curved path can be defined by a differentradius of curvature. In certain embodiments, each curved path can bedefined by a constant, or at least substantially constant, radius ofcurvature. In certain other embodiments, each curved path can be definedby more than one radius of curvature. Similar to the above, thelongitudinal axes 1599 of the staple pockets 1500 can extendtransversely with respect to the curved paths and, in certainembodiments, the axes 1599 can be centered on the curved paths. Invarious embodiments, the surgical instrument 2300 can further comprise astaple cartridge 2350 which includes a plurality of staples removablystored therein. The surgical instrument 2300 can further comprise afiring drive which can eject the staples from the staple cartridge and,in addition, move a cutting member, or knife, relative to the staplecartridge 2350 and the anvil 2330. Various surgical stapling instrumentsare disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/014,910, entitledCURVED CUTTER STAPLER SHAPED FOR MALE PELVIS, filed on Dec. 20, 2004,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0143759, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

As described above in connection with surgical staple 1400 and FIGS.82-85, a surgical staple can comprise a flat, or at least substantiallyflat, base 1402 extending between staple legs 1404 and 1406. In use, inat least one embodiment, a staple cartridge can include a plurality ofstaple drivers which can be configured to support the bases 1402 of thestaples 1400 as the staple drivers eject the staples 1400 out of thestaple cartridge. In various embodiments, the staple drivers cancomprise one or more flat, or at least substantially flat, supportcradles which can support the flat, or at least substantially flat,bases 1402. In various other embodiments, referring now to FIG. 118, asurgical staple, such as staple 2500, for example, can comprise a base2502, a first leg 2504, and a second leg 2506. Similar to the staplelegs 1404 and 1406 of staple 1400, the staple legs 2504 and 2506 canextend upwardly in either a substantially U-shaped configuration and/ora substantially V-shaped configuration when the staples 2500 are in anunformed, or undeployed, condition. As the staples 2500 are ejected fromthe staple cartridge, similar to staples 1400, the staple legs 2504 and2506 can contact an anvil positioned opposite the staple cartridge whichcan be configured to deform the staple legs and curl them toward thebase of the staples, as described above. FIG. 118 depicts a staple 2500in such a deformed, or deployed, condition. As also illustrated in FIG.118, the base 2502 of the staple 2500 can be curved. In variousembodiments, the base 2502 can comprise a curved portion 2501 which cancurve upwardly, or inwardly, toward the staple legs 2504 and 2506. Moreparticularly, when comparing a staple 1400 (FIG. 117) and a staple 2500(FIG. 118) side-by-side, it can be seen that the base 2502 extends abovea horizontal plane defined by base 1402. In various embodiments, furtherto the above, the curved portion 2501 can be defined by a single radiusof curvature or more than one radius of curvature. In at least oneembodiment, the curved portion 2501 can comprise an arcuateconfiguration. In various embodiments, the curved portion 2501 cancomprise an arched-shaped and/or bow-shaped configuration. In certainembodiments, the curved portion 2501 can comprise a parabolic, or atleast substantially parabolic, configuration. Regardless of theconfiguration, in various embodiments, the curved portion 2501 cancomprise a spring which can resiliently apply a spring force to thecaptured tissue.

In various embodiments, the curved portion 2501 can be configured toapply a compressive force, or pressure, to the tissue captured withinthe deformed, or deployed, staple 2500. In use, as the staple legs 2504and 2506 are being deformed against the anvil, the staple legs 2504 and2506 can begin to compress the tissue against the curved portion 2501 ofbase 2502 and, as a result, the curved portion 2501 can at leastpartially deflect from the load being applied thereto. In variouscircumstances, the curved portion 2501 can deform elastically and/orplastically, wherein the amount of deformation can be a function of thetissue thickness, for example. More particularly, if the tissue capturedwithin the staple 2500 is relatively thin, the curved portion 2501 maydeform very little, if at all, and if the tissue captured within thestaple 2500 is relatively thick, the deformation can be relativelylarger. In certain embodiments, each staple 2500 can be manufacturedwith a curved portion 2501 such that the bases 2502 of the staples 2500are pre-curved before they are assembled into a staple cartridge. In atleast one embodiment, the staple drivers positioned within the staplecartridge can comprise a curved support cradle which can support thebottom surfaces of the curved portions 2501. In at least one suchembodiment, the support cradle can comprise a curved surface whichmatches, or at least substantially matches, the curvature of a curvedportion 2501. In certain embodiments, the bases 2502 of the staples 2500can be deformed during the staple-forming process to include anupwardly-depending curved portion, such as a curved portion 2501, forexample. In at least one such embodiment, the staples 2500 can comprisea flat, or at least substantially flat, base 2502 wherein each of thestaple drivers can comprise one or more curved mandrels configured tocontact and deform the bases 2502. In certain other embodiments, thestaples 2500 can comprise pre-curved bases before they are inserted intothe staple cartridge wherein the final shape of the curves can beobtained during the staple-forming process, similar to the processdescribed above.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the curved portion 2501,for example, of the staples 2500 can apply a sufficient pressure to thetissue which can reduce or stop bleeding therefrom. In certainembodiments, the curved portion can extend across the entire distancebetween the first staple leg 2504 and the second staple leg 2506. Incertain other embodiments, the curved portion may only extend acrossonly a portion of the distance between the staple legs 2504 and 2506. Inat least one embodiment, the base 2502 may comprise both curved portionsand flat portions, for example. In certain embodiments, a compressiblematerial can be positioned on and/or attached to a staple cartridgeand/or an anvil, for example, which can be compressed against the tissueand captured within the staples when the staples are deployed. Similarto curved portion 2501, the compressible material can deflectelastically and/or plastically as the legs of the staple are beingformed and bent downwardly toward the staple bases. In variouscircumstances, the amount of deformation can be a function of the tissuethickness, for example, captured within the staples. More particularly,if the tissue captured within a staple is relatively thin, thecompressible material may deform very little, if at all, and if thetissue captured within the staple is relatively thick, the deformationof the compressible material can be relatively larger. In any event, thecompressible material can comprise a layer of adjunct, haemostaticmaterial, and/or any other suitable therapeutic material which canfacilitate in reducing or stopping bleeding from the staple tissueand/or otherwise treat the tissue. As mentioned above, referring now toFIG. 120, the compressible material, such as compressible material 2340,for example, can be attached to the anvil and/or staple cartridge. Incertain embodiments, the compressible material can be adhered to theanvil and/or staple cartridge utilizing one or more adhesives, forexample. In various embodiments, the compressible material can compriseretention features which can be configured to engage the anvil and/orstaple cartridge and retain the compressible material to the anviland/or staple cartridge. In at least one such embodiment, thecompressible material can be at least partially positioned within thestaple cavities defined in the staple cartridge and/or the staplepockets defined in the anvil, for example. In certain embodiments, themovement of a cutting member, or knife, relative to the staple cartridgeand anvil when the staples are being deployed can dislodge or detach thecompressible material from the anvil and/or staple cartridge.

In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical staple can becomprised of titanium, such as titanium wire, for example. In certainembodiments, a surgical staple can be comprised of an alloy comprisingtitanium, aluminum, and/or vanadium, for example. In at least oneembodiment, the surgical staple can be comprised of surgical stainlesssteel and/or an alloy comprised of cobalt and chromium, for example. Inany event, the surgical staple can be comprised of metal, such astitanium, and a metal oxide outer surface, such as titanium oxide, forexample. In various embodiments, the metal oxide outer surface can becoated with a material. In certain embodiments, the coating material canbe comprised of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon®, and/ora tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) such as ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE),perfluroralkoxyethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (PFA), and/or FluorinatedEthylene Propylene (FEP), for example. Certain coatings can comprisesilicon. In various embodiments, such coating materials can prevent, orat least inhibit, further oxidation of the metal. In certainembodiments, the coating materials can provide one or more lubricioussurfaces against which the anvil, or staple pockets, can contact thestaples in order to reduce the friction force therebetween. In variouscircumstances, lower friction forces between the staples and the staplepockets can reduce the force required to deform the staples.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after asingle use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In eithercase, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at leastone use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps ofdisassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement ofparticular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the devicecan be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts ofthe device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination.Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can bereassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, orby a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device canutilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement,and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioneddevice, are all within the scope of the present application.

Preferably, the invention described herein will be processed beforesurgery. First, a new or used instrument is obtained and if necessarycleaned. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilizationtechnique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container,such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument are thenplaced in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such asgamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation killsbacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilizedinstrument can then be stored in the sterile container. The sealedcontainer keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medicalfacility.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical stapler, comprising: an anvil assembly, comprising: a tissue contacting surface; a first staple-forming pocket formed in said tissue contacting surface; and a second staple-forming pocket formed in said tissue contacting surface, wherein said first staple-forming pocket and said second staple-forming pocket each comprise: a longitudinal axis; a staple pocket centerline, wherein a said staple pocket centerline of a first staple-forming pocket is neither parallel to nor collinear with a said staple pocket centerline of said second staple-forming pocket; a first forming cup, comprising: a first inside portion; a first outside portion; and a first interior sidewall extending between said first outside portion and said first inside portion; and a second forming cup, comprising: a second inside portion; a second outside portion; and a second interior sidewall extending between said second outside portion and said second inside portion, wherein said first forming cup and said second forming cup are laterally offset from said longitudinal axis.
 2. The surgical stapler of claim 1, further comprising a replaceable staple cartridge assembly, comprising: a tissue supporting surface; a staple cavity; a staple removably stored in said staple cavity, wherein said staple comprises a substantially U-shaped configuration including a base, a first leg extending from said base, and a second leg extending from said base; a staple driver; and a slot.
 3. The surgical stapler of claim 2, further comprising a firing member movable within said slot to complete a firing of said surgical stapler, wherein said firing member is movable from a proximal position to a distal position to engage said staple driver and eject said staple from said staple cavity toward said anvil assembly to deform said staple.
 4. The surgical stapler of claim 2, wherein said first interior sidewall is sloped and is configured to laterally displace said first leg in a first direction.
 5. The surgical stapler of claim 4, wherein said second interior sidewall is sloped and is configured to laterally displace said second leg in a second direction.
 6. The surgical stapler of claim 5, wherein said first interior sidewall and said second interior sidewall are configured to longitudinally bend the legs of a said staple into a substantially B-shaped configuration.
 7. The surgical stapler of claim 2, wherein said replaceable staple cartridge comprises a compressible layer positioned on said tissue supporting surface.
 8. The surgical stapler of claim 2, further comprising a cutting surface movable relative to said slot.
 9. The surgical stapler of claim 8, wherein said cutting surface extends above said tissue supporting surface to incise the tissue.
 10. The surgical stapler of claim 8, further comprising a housing configured to surround said cutting surface when said cutting surface is in a proximal position prior to the initiation of a firing stroke.
 11. The surgical stapler of claim 10, further comprising a break-away portion which is partially detached in order to permit said cutting surface to exit said housing.
 12. The surgical stapler of claim 11, wherein said break-away portion is completely separated in order to permit said cutting surface to exit said housing.
 13. The surgical stapler of claim 11, wherein said break-away portion is incised by said cutting surface during a firing stroke to allow a complete firing of said surgical stapler.
 14. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein said surgical stapler is configured to produce staples comprising different formed heights. 